The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has issued a sharply worded communiqué condemning recent joint military operations in Goma, warning of escalating threats to civilian safety and regional stability.
Note: Company, Blog, Church websites are free.
In a statement released on April 12, the movement condemned what it called “aggressive and unlawful operations” allegedly carried out by a coalition of forces from the Southern African Development Community Intervention Brigade SAMIDRC alongside the Congolese national army, FARDC, the FDLR militia, and WAZALENDO fighters.
The communiqué accuses Kinshasa’s forces of endangering civilian lives and undermining regional peace efforts. It specifically highlights the events of April 11, citing them as a direct violation of the SADC peace agreements.
AFC/M23 claims to have repelled the attacks and says its fighters remain in control of key positions in and around Goma. The group further warned that the operations pose a serious threat to the rehabilitation of Goma International Airport, calling for the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC forces from the region.
In a bold demand, the movement is also calling for the surrender of FARDC troops currently stationed within MONUSCO facilities, accusing them of collusion in the latest offensive.
The communiqué, signed by the movement’s Communication Focal Point, Lawrence Kanyuka, asserts that while AFC/M23 has shown restraint, it may be forced to reevaluate its current posture.
“We are compelled to prioritize the security of the Congolese population and our forces in the liberated zones,” the statement reads.
AFC/M23 reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians, “in all their diversity, whatever the cost, “and closed with a warning to the public: remain alert to “fraudulent solicitations and fake news spread by the Kinshasa regime.”
As tensions escalate in the Kivu region, international observers continue to monitor the fragile security situation. We’ll bring you more updates as this story develops.
