The Congolese (FARDC’s) recent press release attempting to shift blame onto Rwanda and the M23 for a massacre in the Rutchuru territory is nothing more than a desperate cover-up. The truth is far more embarrassing for the FARDC and their coalition of terrorist forces: FDLR, APCLS, PARECO, NYATURA, CODECO, Maï-Maï, as well as European mercenaries. On the night of 15 and 16 July 2023, they brazenly broke the truce, only to suffer a devastating defeat at the hands of the M23 – a defeat they are now desperately trying to hide.
First, the infamous Tshisekedi coalition, known for its history of heinous crimes against civilians, launched a daring assault on the M23’s positions and their reckless gamble yielded a familiar outcome: a resounding defeat that left the FARDC and their allies humiliated. Now, desperately seeking to mask their own military ineptitude, they ironically depict their own criminal elements, integrated within the regular Congolese army under the guise of “Wazalendo,” as hapless victims of a fictitious Rwandan army and M23 massacre.
Second, the recent claims by the FARDC should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism, given their own disgraceful track record of perpetrating massacres and violating human rights. The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office has consistently linked an astounding 65% of human rights abuses in the DRC throughout 2022 directly to the FARDC. Yes, you heard it correctly! The very army entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the Congolese people is shockingly regarded as the most dangerous armed group in various regions, as corroborated by the very communities they are meant to protect.
Third, while the FARDC tries to deflect blame and point fingers elsewhere, the reality on the ground paints a very different picture. The coalition assembled by Tshisekedi continues its relentless assault on the M23 positions, leading to a fierce back-and-forth struggle. The M23, boldly defends itself, launches counter-offensives, and takes control of other areas by purging the violent armed forces aligned with Tshisekedi. These liberated territories are then handed over to the EACRF (East African Community Regional Force).
In a nutshell, the FARDC’s feeble attempt at anti-Rwanda propaganda is destined to fail. It’s crystal clear that it is up to the International Community and regional actors to step up and exert pressure on Tshisekedi, urging him to abandon his destructive path of war and embrace the essential principle of dialogue with the Congolese military-political movement of M23.
It’s through genuine discussions that lasting peace can be achieved, as already established in the Nairobi Process and the Luanda Process.
ellenkampire