Chants and slogans expressed frustration and anger against Rwanda, accused of supporting the M23 rebels. A complete lot of demonstrators from Butembo, in eastern DRC, took to the streets this Tuesday to explain their improve for the Congolese military and, above all, to oppose any negotiations with the rebels.
“We stand behind them, we support them, and we call on them to launch offensives. From today, we intend to work with them to fight the enemy. Our regions are occupied, and that is why we are asking them. We also ask them to reject any order to withdraw without justification, especially politically motivated messages,” stated Frank Mukendi, a protester.
This anger erupted because the DRC and Rwanda continue negotiations in Luanda to connect terminate a see at to unravel the battle in the distance.
“Rwanda claims every day that there are FDLR members in the DRC and that we need to track them down. That’s Rwanda’s daily argument, but I see it as a total distraction, which is why we keep asking our government to support our republican army, the FARDC, for lasting peace,” stated Muhindo Shafi, a member of civil society.
The demonstrators moreover denounced massacres done by the terrorist neighborhood ADF in North Kivu, massacres which gain been ongoing since October 2014. According to civil society, there gain already been bigger than 17,000 deaths.
“We are being massacred in Beni, in the Lubero territory. We say enough is enough. Provide all necessary means to the FARDC so they can strike against the M23 and ADF rebels. Today, I am protesting to say no to negotiations,” stated Rose Kahavu, a protester.
Operations are underway in the attach involving each the Congolese and Ugandan armies, but these efforts gain but to connect an finish to the violence. On Sunday, October 13, during a meeting with Ugandan officers, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi gave definite instructions to present a boost to militia cooperation between the DRC and Uganda to eradicate insecurity in this space.
