The cold war between M23 and the DRC government gives no prospect for peace
Currently, there is still a disagreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s government and the opposing M23 group, particularly about discussions to end this war.
President Felix Tshisekedi remarked, “Even though the group claims it is liberating the areas it had occupied, our government does not expect to hold talks with M23,” in a media interview with his Swiss colleague Berset on April 13, 2023.
He continued by stating that M23 must travel to the camp that will be established in the Kindu region in order for the combatants of this group to be disarmed and allowed to resume their regular lives.
“I said and I repeat that there will be no talks with the M23 terrorist organization,” he added. The combatants of this group will be escorted to Kindu, where they will be disarmed and restored to their usual lives without incident.
President Tshisekedi continued by stating that it is impossible for M23 to be a part of the national army and other government organizations since it is an organization that receives backing from our neighbors countries and seeks to infiltrate the DRC’s government and security services.
He said: “We know exactly what M23 is aiming for and it is asking to be included in the national army and public sector. It is an organization that works with neighboring countries with the intention of spying on the institutions of our country, and then they take over again in order to achieve their goals.”
Many people, including M23, who heard what President Tshisekedi had to say were shoked, even though they had anticipated that the DRC Government would be open to negotiations with M23 because this movement is granting all of its requests, including the end to hostilities and the liberation of certain territories. Which you had all conquered in the Masisi, Nyiragongo, and Rutshuru regions.
Bertrad Bisimwa, Director General of ARC/M23, responded to the president’s harsh words of scathing remarks.
Bertrad Bisimwa expressed this via the Twitter platform: “The fact that President Tshisekedi continues to refuse talks with M23, shows contempt and disrespect for the peace process established by the Heads of the EAC countries in the Launda and Nairobi talks.”
M23 will continue to abide by its demands, according to Beltrad Bisimwa, who also said that the group is prepared to engage in combat if the FARDC commits the error of inciting trouble or attempting to retake the territories that M23 is freeing.
