Minister of Defense Jean Pierre Bemba provided explanation on M23 crisis
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Minister of Defense provided an explanation of the current problems that are making security on its territory insecure as well as an outline of the current scenario.
Jean Pierre Bemba stated in front of the cabinet meeting said that the M23 armed group, which began fighting at the end of 2021 and had been in possession of most of the region of Masisi and Rutshuru in North Kivu province, is the largest threat to the security of the DRC at this time.
He went on to clarify that M23 is currently freeing some of the regions it had long held control of in an unpredictable and unreliable way, adding that the FARDC is closely watching and monitoring them.
However, Minister Jean Pierre Bemba also noted that there are other organizations that contribute to the DRC’s lack of peace and stability, not just M23, which makes security in this nation a challenge.
He used the example of the “Mobondo” armed group, which has been interfering with people’s security in the Bagata region of the province of Kwilu and in the Kinshasa suburbs for a long time and over which the State does not have complete control.
He continued by saying that the conflict between CODECO and ZAIRE, two other armed groups in the Ituri province, has kept security in the territories of Irumu, Mambasa, and Djugu insecure.
In order to restore peace and security to the entire DRC’s territory as well as the cooperation of the government in the regions controlled by armed groups in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Kwilu, Jean Pierre Bemba added that the FARDC forces are putting together plans and significant measures.
Jean pierre Bemba, a former MLC (Movement pour la Liberation du Congo) rebel commander which was helped by Uganda was trusted by President Tshisekedi as the deputy defense minister.
Due to his involvement in the guerrilla war and his close relationship with the M23 leaders, many Congolese have confirmed that one of the most significant duties given to Jean Pierre Bemba after being given this important position in the command of the FARDC army is to eliminate the M23 group.
