RDC, RWANDA, ANGOLA: THE PARTICULAR PROBLEM IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION

The problem of the AFC/M23 has frequently been a stain on the governments of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda, where none of these governments have been able to find effective solutions. A secret tête-à-tête between intelligence officials from Angola, the DRC, and Rwanda took place quietly in Goma, a city in western Congo. Angola's envoy advised the parties to collaborate as a unified government to address the complex issue of the AFC/M23.

The DRC has repeatedly accused Rwanda of being the main sponsor of the AFC/M23, a claim widely reported by Congolese media, which has been highly critical of the RDF/AFC/M23. It is alleged that thousands of spies from Rwanda are operating in Goma, spanning from southern Goma to northern Goma. Furthermore, it is claimed that Rwanda has provided the Banyamulenge with identity documents and placed them in the judicial system, where Banyamulenge lawyers, judges, and prosecutors are said to dominate. These "Izamarere" spies are reportedly active throughout western Congo.

Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda's former Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed on VOA that a gathering took place in Goma, attended by the deputy head of Rwanda's Investigation Bureau, Angola's deputy head of intelligence, and their DRC counterpart. The main objective of this meeting was to resolve issues surrounding the AFC/M23 and to address the widespread hate speech against Congolese Tutsis, which has broader implications for Rwanda and other ethnic groups connected to the Rwandan government.

This gathering was followed by a tête-à-tête between the President of the DRC, Antoine Félix Tshisekedi, and the President of Burundi, General Évariste Ndayishimiye. , they discussed regional insecurity allegedly worsened by Rwanda's actions. While Rwanda's Ambassador Nduhungirehe denied the presence of Rwandan troops in Congo, several UN reports have provided evidence of Rwandan soldiers fighting alongside the M23 rebel group, with estimates suggesting 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops involved and Rwanda accused of having significant control over M23 operations. ( The Defense Post )

Presidents Tshisekedi and Ndayishimiye also discussed how Rwanda's actions have caused significant strain on both countries. They accused Rwanda of exploiting the DRC’s natural resources, particularly precious stones, and using Burundi as a weak front to carry out activities on sovereign soil.

Can the issues surrounding the M23, its allies, and the FARDC be resolved through these recent gatherings?