Last Saturday the M23/AFC movement demonstrated the kind of decisive action that the Congolese military (FARDC) as well as the UN “peacekeeper” Monusco have failed to do for years in Eastern Congo. In a powerful message to both national and international observers, M23 presented captured members of FARDC, Wazalendo militias, and FDLR that have been fueling the insecurity that has for long plagued the city of Goma (and surroundings).
As expected, FDLR sympathizers such as Jambo asbl, a group made up of offspring of Genocidaires – who have a track record of funding the FDLR in Europe – quickly sounded false alarms.
They accused M23 of “targeting Rwandan refugees.” In reality, this faux outrage is nothing more than a smokescreen, to obfuscate the fact M23 has arrested key FDLR operatives in Goma.
For the past two years, Jambo asbl, along with certain Congolese politicians and known genocide fugitives, has spearheaded an initiative called “All For Rwanda.” Publicly, the campaign claimed to support Rwandan refugees, but privately it is a fundraising front for sustaining FDLR activity in eastern DRC.
The FDLR elements captured by M23 were found carrying Congolese Identity cards – which function as de facto identity cards in areas under their control.
This isn’t new.
Since 2006, the FDLR has exercised (barely) covert control over registration and voting centers in several parts of Kivu, including Masisi, Kalehe, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo. In these areas, particularly its strongholds like Mutaho and Rusayo the FDLR has inserted itself into the political fabric, enabling and manipulating electoral processes. In return for votes or intimidation, they gain protection and logistical support from local politicians.
This deep-rooted collusion has turned the FDLR from a mere rebel group into a political power broker and economic actor. Many politicians in Kivu benefit from their relationship with the FDLR and will go to great lengths to deny their existence publicly, while privately protecting them.
Even Tshisekedi very obviously is complicit, channeling money through Kivu-based politicians to foster insecurity in Goma. In this system, FDLR fighters become not only armed actors but stakeholders in a regional economy of chaos.
Unlike Kinshasa or the heavily funded Monusco, M23 is taking direct action against the elements that have destabilized the region for decades. They are cracking down hard on the genocidal FDLR, which is driving Jambo Asbl in Europe bonkers.
So they’ve come up with a brand new propaganda line, that by arresting or apprehending FDLR terrorists, M23 is “attacking Rwandan refugees!”
Only the most gullible will swallow that.
ellenkampire