The Chadian national army is reportedly preparing to deploy troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to support its military in combating the M23 movement in the country’s eastern region.
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2 This information was confirmed by a Chadian opposition party, which issued a statement condemning the government’s decision to send troops to the DRC.
Reports indicate that last Sunday, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi made a secret visit to Chad, where he requested military assistance from his counterpart to help fight the M23 movement.
Chadian President Maréchal Mahamat Idriss Deby reportedly agreed to the request, and preparations for troop deployment are already underway.
Tshisekedi’s move is seen as a last-ditch effort to counter the M23 insurgents. The opposition party Front Pour Alternance et la Concorde au Tchad (FACT released a statement claiming that Chad is preparing to send troops to the DRC.
“Our party informs the people that the military junta is preparing to deploy troops to the DRC,” the statement read. The party also recalled that this is not the first time Chad has sent troops to the DRC. In 1996, Maréchal deployed thousands of soldiers during the First Congo War, which led to the overthrow of President Mobutu Sese Seko.
“We strongly condemn this senseless decision, which will bring nothing but destruction and suffering to the people of the region,” the statement added.
The deployment of Chadian troops adds to the existing military presence from South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania, and Burundi, which are already assisting the Congolese army against M23. Additionally, armed groups such as the FDLR and Wazalendo are also supporting the DRC government. However, despite these reinforcements, the M23 movement continue to seize key cities, including Goma, which they recently captured.
