Regional bloc troops take over areas vacated by rebels in Congo

KIGALI, Rwanda

The East African Community (EAC) bloc said Monday its troops deployed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have taken over various areas previously occupied by rebels.

In a statement, the bloc said the move will now allow residents to return to their homes and businesses from camps.

The EAC leaders directed the deployment of a joint regional force in Congo at a summit in February in Burundi as part of efforts to restore peace in Congo’s volatile region.

In line with decisions of the summit, the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) has “continued to ensure observance of a cease-fire and in addition overseeing the withdrawal of armed groups who have handed over to EACRF most of the areas that were under their control,” the statement said.

Since fighting reemerged between M23 rebels and government forces in late 2021, the rebel group has occupied key towns in North Kivu province, including Karuba, Mushaki, Kitchange, Mweso, Kishishe, Kiwanja, and Kinyandoni.

But the EAC said these areas have since been taken over by various regional troops.

The EAC is “proud of the work that has so far been accomplished” by the regional force towards the restoration of peace and security in eastern Congo, it added.

The countries which have so far contributed troops include Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan, and Uganda.

In a statement on Monday, the Ugandan military said it completed its troop deployment in North Kivu after its contingent deployed in the key area of Mabenga following a reconnaissance conducted on Sunday.

“The M23 have withdrawn from Bunagana, Rutshuru territory (Kiwanja) and Mabenga general areas to enable the monitoring of the peace process and report violations,” the statement said.

A timetable adopted by East African leaders in February had given all armed groups up to March 30 to withdraw from occupied areas.

However, Congolese Defense Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba Bemba last week warned that the security situation remains worrying in the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo.

He claimed that the M23 rebel group has continued to occupy areas in recent days.

Reaffirming commitment to the restoration of peace and security in Congo, the EAC bloc appealed to the region and international community to support the efforts of the regional force to restore peace and stability in the vast country.

Since last year, fighting between the M23 and government forces has displaced thousands of people.

The fighting has heightened tensions between Congo and neighboring Rwanda.

Kinshasa accuses Kigali of backing the rebel group, a charge Rwanda consistently denies.