M23 rebels accuse Congolese forces over attacking them

By Our reporter

29^th Dec 2022

M23 rebels are accusing the Congolese government troops-the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and their militia coalition of using fighter jets and heavy artillery to strike positions hosting displaced civilians in Bwiza and surrounding groupings in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu province.

The rebels say that FARDC used Sukhoi fighter jets and BM Grad Rocket Launchers on Wednesday to shell their positions.

In his statement issued on Wednesday night, the M23 political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka accused FARDC and its militia coalition of Mai Mai, Nyatura, Coalition of Congolese Patriotic Resistance (PARECO), and The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) of targeting displaced civilians under their protection.

According to Kanyuka, FARDC and the coalition want the displaced civilians to get scared of the heavy shelling by warplanes and launchers so that they can run away. Kanyuka accuses FARDC and the coalition of the continuous violation of the Luanda agreement, which requires a cease-fire of the belligerents.

He explains that M23 has scheduled a meeting with officials of the East African Community Regional Force slated to take place this Saturday to discuss the matter as well as more commitments towards the implementation of the Luanda and Nairobi agreements. Meanwhile, Rwanda has issued a statement accusing the DR Congo Air force of again violating its airspace.