The March 23 Movement (M23) has issued fresh accusations against the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), alleging it is aiding the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and their coalition as heavy fighting continues near Kanyabayonga town, Lubero territory, North Kivu province.
On Sunday, fierce fighting occurred in Bulindi, about 10 kilometers from Kanyabayonga town. FARDC and their coalition are still resisting M23 fighters from advancing to capture the town. On Saturday, MONUSCO released a statement announcing its collaboration with FARDC to prevent M23 fighters from entering Kanyabayonga. MONUSCO also released pictures of their soldiers on patrol in the town.
The statement emphasized joint operations with FARDC to secure displaced people and provide medical care, as well as joint patrols to protect civilians in the vicinity of Kanyabayonga. However, on Sunday evening, M23 political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka released a statement expressing anger against MONUSCO for allowing FARDC and the coalition to use its bases in Kiwanja and Kitchanga in Rutshuru territory to coordinate and conduct aerial attacks on M23 positions.
M23 argues that this collaboration compromises MONUSCO’s neutrality in the peacekeeping mission. In their statement, M23 threatened that if the collaboration persists, they would be compelled to prevent FARDC and the coalition from using the bases in Kiwanja and Kitchanga.
In March 2022, M23, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and General Sultan Makenga, initiated a conflict against the government. The DR Congo government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, although both Rwanda and M23 deny these claims. The rebels assert they are fighting against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the leadership of DR Congo.
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