M23 Intensifies Recruitment Efforts Amidst Ongoing Violence in Bukavu
The M23 is actively recruiting in Bukavu following a terrorist attack that killed 13 people. Rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated the process is transparent, emphasizing voluntary adult recruits. Following the attack, internal and external accusations have arisen regarding the use of Burundian explosives, with M23 integrating large numbers of surrendered government troops into their ranks during ongoing regional violence, pushing for governance that prioritizes human rights.
The M23 rebel group is intensifying its recruitment efforts in Bukavu, as announced by spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka on February 28. This follows a terrorist attack during a rally on February 27, which was attributed to the Congolese government and resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals and injuries to over 70 others, including women and children. Kanyuka emphasized that the recruitment is being conducted transparently, with all new recruits being voluntary adults.
A video shared by Kanyuka showed a significant turnout at a meeting led by M23 leader Corneille Nangaa, where General Bernard Byamungu encouraged youth to enlist and participate in the movement to remove poor leadership. This call was met with a rush of young volunteers eager to contribute to the cause. In addition to recruiting civilians, the M23 has integrated over 2,100 police officers and 890 soldiers from the Congolese government who surrendered in the region, significantly increasing their ranks.
After the attack, senior M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa accused the Burundian army of being behind the violence, as investigations indicated the explosives used originated from their military. Notably, Burundi has deployed over 10,000 troops in support of the Congolese government forces currently battling the M23 rebels. The rebels continue to assert their fight is for governance that promotes human rights and addresses underlying issues causing conflict within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A recent meeting of regional leaders in Tanzania urged a halt to hostilities and called for dialogue to resolve escalating violence in eastern DR Congo. However, despite this, the situation in South Kivu remains precarious, as M23 recently secured the vital Kavumu airport before capturing Bukavu. Local residents had been appealing for the rebels to take control to restore security amid widespread violence and abuses perpetrated by the Congolese army.
The international community’s continued focus on the conflict has prompted Rwandan officials to emphasize the importance of addressing root causes, including ethnic violence affecting Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in East Congo. This ongoing strife is central to the M23’s formation, and President Paul Kagame has framed the conflict as an ethnic struggle where certain Congolese groups are marginalized, reinforcing Rwanda’s request for serious discussions on security issues pertinent to the region.
This article discusses the M23’s ongoing recruitment drive in Bukavu amidst a backdrop of violent conflict and political instability. The group claims transparency in recruitment while integrating surrendered government forces. Accusions of external involvement in attacks and calls for dialogue highlight the longstanding complexities of the region’s strife. The M23 maintains its goal of governance focused on human rights and addressing deep-rooted issues.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
