On Sunday 25th of February, M23/AFC released a press-statement announcing members of local leadership in areas controlled by the movement, specifically in areas of Kitshanga. This level of professionalism compels Tshisekedi to do nothing but negotiate.
The announcement of local leaders in Kitshanga followed a similar move that took place in Bunagana, Rubare and Kiwanja in Masisi and Rutshuru territory in late January. This high-level administrative exercise done in free and fair process is the latest example to show that M23 are not terrorists as portrayed.
Military campaign gains of M23 have allowed steady return of internally displaced persons, earlier chased by FDLR/FARDC. Just the other day, video footage showing mass influx of refugees returning home in DRC to places which had been captured M23 and going back to their usual businesses.
Many of those refugees had sought safety in neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda while others were internally displaced people. The IOM reports indicate that close to 5 million people alone in the north eastern Kivus had earlier been displaced following the battle between M23 and coalition of armed forces comprising of FARDC, FDLR, Mai Mai, SADC, Burundi forces, Codeco, Wazalendo, etc.
In areas captured by M23, civilians have taken up civil leadership and the army is helping them establish law and order. While Tshisekedi government has worked very hard to smear M23 calling it all sorts of bad things, they even went as far as projecting some of heinous crimes done by its unprofessional FARDC, the former’s outstanding political maturity is a serious challenge to his government.
There are at least seven civilian members who have been nominated to serve as chiefs of territories of Rutshuru, Masisi, Rubare and Bunagana with a similar number designated as their deputies. This simple exercise helps members of the public to gain confidence in the leadership as members of the force concentrate on their general duty which is safety and protection of sovereignty.
In areas under controll of M23, not only peace has been restored, curfews on businesses have been lifted to allow 24/7 operations. Even as the war is still on, refugees who returned in areas controlled by M23/AFC movement have resumed fully their daily businesses without having to bribe security personnel like they used to do when areas were controlled by Tshisekedi’s forces.
Tshisekedi and his propaganda machine can demonize M23 as much they please, but the level of maturity, professionalism and restoration of peace and safety as demonstrated by M23 movement will always challenge Kinshasa regime modus operandi. Tshisekedi’s remaining option is negotiation.
ellenkampire