In the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the AFC/M23 military alliance has played a crucial role in rejecting SADC’s plan to withdraw from North Kivu via Bukavu and cross into Burundi. This has led to negotiations involving different parties to determine the best course of action.
SADC had planned for its troops in North Kivu to pass through Bukavu, cross into Burundi, and then return to their home countries. This plan was established to ease tensions surrounding SADC’s military presence in the DRC, as many accused them of failing to adequately support the Congolese army (FARDC).
According to the plan, FARDC’s equipment was to be left with MONUSCO for continued security operations in the country. However, AFC/M23 rejected this outright.
This military group set specific conditions for SADC’s withdrawal from North Kivu, which included:
- All FARDC equipment must be handed over to AFC/M23. No FARDC soldiers or materials could be taken out of the region.
- Clarification on SADC’s role in the Burundian missile attacks on the airport/M23 demanded an explanation regarding SADC’s presence when Burundian forces launched missile strikes on the airfield and insisted that damages be repaired.
- AFC/M23 must be the first to use the airport before anyone else. This was meant to assert their control over the territory.
Despite ongoing accusations from the DRC that Rwanda supports AFC/M23, the decisions made in this situation demonstrated that AFC/M23 operates independently. If SADC had crossed through Rwanda, it would have reignited international debates about Rwanda’s alleged involvement. However, since AFC/M23 led negotiations with SADC, it became evident that the group is autonomous and works directly with SADC, not under Rwanda’s influence.
This outcome was unfavorable for Kinshasa, as the DRC government had hoped that SADC would negotiate with Rwanda rather than AFC/M23. However, AFC/M23 took the initiative, weakening Kinshasa’s position.
The fact that SADC engaged in discussions with AFC/M23 raised alarms in the DRC government, as it revealed the movement group’s significant influence in the region. Kinshasa had expected negotiations between Rwanda and SADC, not AFC/M23, but this did not happen.
As a result, the DRC may continue to accuse Rwanda of backing AFC/M23, even though the situation has shown that AFC/M23 acts independently and has control over the areas it has seized.
AFC/M23’s actions could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability, as they place the DRC in a precarious security situation. If AFC/M23 continues to dictate the terms, Kinshasa will struggle to defend its sovereignty, especially as FARDC faces increasing challenges in the war.
A new peace initiative that includes all parties is necessary to reach a consensus on security issues in the DRC. Without such efforts, the conflict may persist, further destabilizing the region.
