Deputy PM Kabombo's Strategic Visit to Boost FARDC Against M23 Under Presidential Orders

Guy Kabombo, the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for National Defense, arrived in Beni on Monday, February 10. Beni has temporarily become the capital of North Kivu province after Goma fell to the M23 rebels. He flew into Mavivi airport at noon and was greeted by Major General Evariste Somo, the provincial governor, along with key military leaders including General Ychaligonja Nduru, the deputy chief of staff for intelligence.

During his visit, Kabombo had a private conversation with military officers and local members of parliament in Beni, which is situated about 200 kilometers from Lubero, the military's last defense line against the M23 rebels. Details of their discussions have not been disclosed.

It was a hectic half-day for Kabombo, who also visited injured soldiers at the general hospital in Beni and opened a new military hospital at the Mambango camp on the city's edge. He listened carefully to the concerns of soldiers' wives there. His visit also included meetings with newly enlisted soldiers and those who have been demobilized.

This visit comes shortly after Goma's takeover by M23 rebels about ten days ago, with the Rwandan army's help. Kabombo is the first government official to visit North Kivu since the capture.

Following the President's pledge of a strong reaction to the rebellion, which started again in November 2021 and has taken over several areas, Kabombo is addressing the threat from the ADF Islamists in Beni, who have intensified their attacks on civilians. He is faced with the dual challenge of addressing this rebellion and the broader impact of Rwandan aggression in North Kivu.