Residents of Bukavu claim that the Congolese army is a terrorist organization, not the M23

A taxi driver in Bukavu, the rebel-held capital of South Kivu Province in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pacifique Murhula, said he saw no reason to “waste time going to vote” in the tumultuous December 2023 presidential elections. Following the announcement of the results, the major opposition leaders called for protests, but President Félix Tshisekedi was proclaimed the victor of the elections, which were tainted by irregularities and delays.

Voting for leaders who would let me down was not something I wanted to do. I realized it was all for nothing. On Tuesday, February 18, Murhula said that it was a waste of time when attempting to locate a suitable parking space for his aging yellow taxi on the roundabout at the Place de l’Indépendance, a well-known public area in the center of Bukavu.

He claimed that Kinshasa’s leadership does not care about its citizens, which is why there is so much conflict and misery.

Quite the opposite, the father of four said that the AFC/M23 rebels who had taken over the city two days prior “are good people.” Three days prior to the collapse of Bukavu on February 15, the rebels took control of Kavumu Airport, a tiny but vital airstrip around 25 kilometers away from Bukavu.

The rickety yellow cabs and motorbike taxis outside were racing in all directions. It had been pouring an hour before, but it was still hot and dusty. Even though not all stores were open and schools hadn’t resumed yet, the city center was bustling with activity. The normalcy of life was gradually returning.

The vehicles of a convoy of rebel troops rushed by us. After it turned onto the next street corner without slowing down, very few people paused to view it before it vanished.

“I still can’t believe it! Really, these are not like the FARDC soldiers we are accustomed to. Virtually everyone feared the escaped previous officials. They would bother you if you passed them. A motorbike taxi driver named Pascal Kitu, however, stated, “I am starting to feel safe around these new authorities.”

“They’re completely different from FARDC.” They are just concerned with their protection, not with pestering people on the street.

Incredulous, Murhula was informed that Kinshasa labels the AFC/M23 terrorists. He requested a repetition of the question. He then retorted, “Nooo! “No!”

A roadside market on Tuesday, February 18, in downtown Bukavu, the capital of the South Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Image courtesy of Olivier Mugwiza.

“M23 should deal with a thief or criminal appropriately,” he continued. No one should be allowed to live freely if they harass regular people. When the government soldiers who had previously occupied this area fled, they left several weapons lying around, which were then stolen by criminals. This explains why they were bombarding and pillaging us so much in the days before to M23’s arrival.

“We need M23’s assistance in finding and removing everyone who possesses these firearms. Our homes are being broken into and harassed by these armed individuals. We’d feel a lot safer if M23 could search and seize all these firearms.

He was at his brother’s funeral last weekend at a cemetery next to base Saïo, Bukavu’s largest military base, when “some youths told us that there were guns in the area,” just before the rebels completely occupied the city.

After we dug them up, we summoned the M23, who also discovered a lot more weapons. We eventually unearthed forty firearms in a single day!

Many people in Bukavu, including Murhula and Kitu, have stories to share about the FARDC, the country’s infamous government troops, and their coalition of Burundian troops. They also mention the FDLR, a terrorist militia based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that was established by the masterminds of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi, and a loose coalition of local militia groups known as Wazalendo.

Congolese troops often looted citizens on a filthy road near Nyawera market, according to Aicha Mapendo.

“This past weekend, my family spent two full days indoors,” she remarked. We were terrified for our safety. FARDC and Wazalendo were wreaking mayhem before they fled. However, even though I am having a hard time making a living, I feel a feeling of relief now. I have to provide for my two small children.

“We have endured so much hardship. I hope that this marks the start of the end of our misery. I’m sick and weary of the constant turmoil and suffering, therefore I hope M23 remains for good.

“Avoid the noisemakers.”

One Munyamulenge man, 60, told The New Times that he is “never surprised” when he hears reports of M23 being “branded terrorists, or tarnished, in any other manner.” He asked to remain anonymous due to worries for his safety.

“This kind of spin is expected during times of conflict,” he remarked.

“The Kinshasa regime and its equally malign allies are calling them terrorists in an effort to intentionally damage their good reputation,” the elderly man continued. It’s crucial that AFC/M23 keep up their good work and disregard any dissenters. Our nation has endured years of suffering as a result of widespread corruption and poor governance. That has to be altered!

“Our people are denied citizenship and other fundamental human rights. Do you believe that the situation of our people in South Kivu, who are still being killed, has gone unnoticed by the world community? Why isn’t the racist colonial mindset that fuels the current hate campaign against Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsis more strongly denounced and opposed? Powerful Western nations and the UN have never given a damn about our citizens’ safety.

The Banyamulenge community has been pleading with the world community to step in and put an end to the deadly murders that continue to occur in Minembwe, South Kivu Province, for years. In cooperation and coordination with Burundian army and armed militia, a coalition of Mai-Mai militia from nearby ethnic communities continues to assault and murder the Banyamulenge.

In order to make our 5 p.m. deadline, Murhula later rushed back to the border and said: “When they [AFC/M23] first arrived in the city, they guaranteed us that all will go well.” I trust them. It is clear from their actions and behavior that they are considerably different from FARDC. I’m sure they’ll do a fantastic job.

They’ve got a strong start. They give us comfort by doing something. I genuinely have optimism that they will effect positive change because of this. It is difficult due of Kinshasa’s many years of poor leadership, but I have hope that they will make things better.