FARDC Vows to Crush M23 Rebels and End Rwandan Aggression

On January 9, the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, along with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, and the spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), Major General Sylvain Ekenge, held a press briefing. They discussed the ongoing security situation in eastern DRC and the military and diplomatic efforts to protect the country.

Major General Sylvain Ekenge stated that fighting in the east continues, with FARDC determined to liberate the region despite reinforcements for M23 rebels from the Rwandan army. He shared that FARDC successfully pushed M23 out of key positions near the Sake area. The Rwandan-backed rebels attempted an attack but were stopped, suffering heavy losses in both soldiers and equipment. FARDC now controls the city of Ngungu and surrounding areas. Fighting continues in Masisi, but FARDC remains committed to reclaiming all territories from M23 and freeing affected communities.

Ekenge emphasized the army’s focus on ending decades of aggression, saying, “Thirty years of conflict is enough. We will recover all occupied areas and remove Rwandan-backed terrorists from our land.” He added that FARDC has inflicted more losses on Rwandan forces than they have suffered themselves.

Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya also referenced a recent security meeting led by the President, where military strategies and the UN report highlighting Rwanda’s involvement with M23 were discussed. The report shows Rwanda's direct support for M23, with approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers present in DRC. It also mentions large-scale mineral theft, including 150 tons of coltan illegally exported to Rwanda. The ADF-M23 coalition, which controls mining areas like Rubaya, imposes taxes on miners, earning around $800,000 monthly.

Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner highlighted international support for DRC. She mentioned how the UN Security Council, with backing from countries like the USA and the UK, criticized Rwanda’s presence in DRC. Other nations, including Angola, have also condemned Rwanda’s actions. Kayikwamba stressed the need to address these issues diplomatically and called for global action against Rwanda’s exploitation of DRC’s mineral resources.

She concluded, “This report shows Rwanda’s true intention—to exploit our resources under the guise of war. It’s unacceptable.”