An M23 meeting disrupted by armed men in Kiseguro

A meeting of M23_AFC fighters which should be held in Kiseguru in the territory of Rutshuru this Friday, August 30, 2024 was disrupted in the morning by shooting from suspected armed men Wazalendo and FDLR who attacked the area.

The planned meeting was canceled following the shooting. According to residents, the exchange of fire ensued towards Kigaligali in the park. Calm returned to the city after this incident.The incident took place around 9:00 a.m. The rebels had gathered the population for a popular meeting in Kiseguro. They were surprised by gunfire all over the city from armed men,” said a resident of Kiseguro on condition of anonymity.

According to corroborating sources, this situation is the basis of the fighting which is underway between CMC, FDLR fighters and the M23 rebels supported by Rwanda, in Kigaligali in the Binza grouping.

President Tshisekedi sends a message to Museveni

 

Museveni receives special mess

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has received a special message from the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi.

The special message was delivered by Tshisekedi's special envoy and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Francophonie,Therese Kayikwamba Wagner.

She was accompanied by  Alexis Gisaro Muvunyi, DRC’s Senior Minister of infrastructure and Public Works.

During the meeting that took place at State House Entebbe, President Museveni and the DRC delegation discussed several issues concerning peace and security in the region.

Museveni noted that he is happy and appreciated President Tshisekedi’s decision to join the East African Community (EAC).

He advised that President Tshisekedi should use this opportunity to bring lasting solutions to peace in DRC and in the region at large.

The president added that he is always available for dialogue with President Tshisekedi as well as other East African leaders.

Kayikwamba thanked President Museveni for his support and wise leadership.

She reiterated President Tshisekedi's commitment to the partnership in achieving the common agenda.

Weekly Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Brief for East and Central Africa (Somalia, Mozambique, and DR-Congo): Tracking Islamic State Terrorists for the period of 18th August- 25th August 2024

Executive Summary

Mozambique has seen a recent and unexpected decrease in ISM activities, likely due to intensified counterinsurgency operations by the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF). This decline contrasts with earlier intelligence that had predicted an increase in militant actions following the withdrawal of SAMIM troops from Cabo Delgado. The RDF has adopted new tactics, including the use of helicopters in combat operations, which may be a response to the discovery of IEDs in the region and political pressures to quickly neutralize ISM forces.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), ISCAP continues to pose a serious threat, executing multiple attacks on military and civilian targets in Ituri and North Kivu. The group’s sustained violence, particularly along critical routes like the RN4, highlights their ongoing ability to destabilize the region. Meanwhile, civil unrest in North Kivu, where residents have protested against inadequate security, underscores the deep mistrust between local communities and the armed groups meant to protect them.

Mozambique

22nd Aug- ISM militants detonated an IED targeting a truck between Chitundaand Mungui in Cabo Delgado.

20TH Aug- ISM terrorists attacked civilians in Mbau area in Mocimboa da Praia (MDP).

D.R. CONGO

23rd Aug- A Ugandan military base in Nakasongola District in Uganda was attacked by armed ISCAP militants. The group claimed attack.

19th Aug- ISCAP clashed with a Congolese Militia Forces Patrol, near Ndimo (RN4) in Ituri Province. Ndimo, is situated along the RN4 which is a deadly stretch of road continues to be a focal point of violence for ISCAP attacks.

18th Aug- ISCAP militants conducted an armed assault against Congolese armed troops In Mandela near Mwinyi In Lubero region in North Kivu.

18th Aug- ISCAP conducted an armed assault on Congolese Militia Forces as well as an Arson attack of over 150 Christian Homes, in and near Esege in Lubero Region. 

Analysis and Insights

There has been a notable decrease in ISM movements, attacks and sighting in the past two weeks which partly because renewed counterinsurgency efforts by Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF). The lull is unexpected as intelligence in July had predicted a likely surge in attacks in August following the departure if SAMIM troops from Cabo Delgado. However, it is evident that RDF has significant stepped up their efforts to fight ISM and fill the security gap left by the SAMIM troops.

The RDF has recently shifted tactics in Cabo Delgado’s Macomia district by deploying helicopters in combat against ISM. This marks a significant change from their previous reliance on small, mobile infantry units and civil-military cooperation efforts. The increased use of air power, while potentially effective, comes with risks, particularly regarding civilian casualties, a concern that has been highlighted by past incidents involving other forces like the Dag Advisory Group (DAG).

The tactical shift might be driven by the discovery of numerous IEDs in the region, which could impede ground forces’ movement. Additionally, political pressures may be pushing for a quicker resolution against ISM, now believed to be isolated in coastal and forest areas. However, for these air operations to be effective, they must be supported by ground forces to maintain control over cleared territories, with long-term success dependent on Mozambique’s commitment to rebuilding local infrastructure.

Socio-economic activities in Manguredjipa, North Kivu, have been paralyzed as residents observe a three-day “dead city” protest demanding security and the departure of the Wazalendo groups, who they accuse of failing to protect them from ADF attacks. The protest highlights the ongoing instability in the region, where civilians feel abandoned despite the presence of Ugandan and Congolese soldiers. This situation underscores the fragility of security efforts in conflict zones and the deep mistrust between local communities and armed groups.

Conclusion

The recent lull in ISM activities in Mozambique is a double-edged sword. While it indicates the effectiveness of the RDF’s counterinsurgency operations, it may also signal a temporary regrouping of ISM forces, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks in the future. The RDF’s tactical shift to aerial operations, while necessary, must be carefully managed to avoid civilian casualties and ensure long-term stability in cleared areas.

In the D.R. Congo, ISCAP’s continued aggression in Ituri and North Kivu demonstrates their resilience and adaptability, posing ongoing challenges to security forces. The civilian unrest in North Kivu highlights the urgent need for a more effective and trusted security presence in the region.

In Mozambique, continued aerial operations should be paired with robust ground support to secure and rebuild liberated areas. Intelligence efforts must focus on detecting potential ISM regrouping and preparing for possible future escalations.

In DRC, Reinforced collaboration between Congolese and Ugandan forces is crucial to neutralize ISCAP strongholds, particularly along the RN4 and in North Kivu. Addressing local grievances through improved community engagement and protection efforts will be key to reducing civil unrest and strengthening counterterrorism initiatives.

The coordinated application of military, intelligence, and socio-economic strategies will be critical in addressing the complex threat posed by ISM and ISCAP across both regions.

 

East African community to start hearing DRC's case against Rwandan support for M23

 The East African Community (EAC) announced the opening, on September 26, 2024, of the examination in public hearing of the application filed by the DRC against Rwanda, due to the alleged abuses committed in the province of North Kivu under the cover of the M23 rebel movement. This announcement was made this Thursday, August 29, 2024 by Samuel Mbemba, Deputy Minister of Justice in charge of international litigation.

“The registry of the Court of Justice of the EAC has published the extract of the role announcing the examination in public hearing of the request of the DRC against Rwanda”, declared Samuel Mbemba, expressing his satisfaction for what he considers it a significant step forward in the legal battle initiated by the DRC.

The hearing on September 26, 2024 will be an introductory session before the first instance, during which the DRC will have to demonstrate how Rwanda violated the act establishing the Community of East African States. The accusations relate to the Rwandan military presence in the east of the DRC, as well as the looting, rapes and massacres perpetrated in this region. “The DRC will show how Rwanda is violating the act establishing the community of East African States, through its presence in the east of the DRC, the looting of minerals from our country, the massive rapes and killings committed there,” explained Samuel Mbemba.

The DRC's lawyers, having already documented these facts, will present their arguments before the Court, while Rwanda will have the opportunity to defend itself. The Court will then have to rule on the possible violation of the founding act of the EAC by Rwanda. “This first instance will examine the case on the basis of the lawyers’ pleadings. The Democratic Republic of Congo has lawyers who documented this and filed the motion. Then, Rwanda will also come to defend itself and the Court will say whether there is really a violation of the act establishing the EAC by the presence of Rwanda here or not. Certainly, we will win this stage,” said the Deputy Minister.

In the event of a decision favorable to the DRC, Rwanda could appeal to the appeals chamber of the EAC Court of Justice. It is only after the exhaustion of remedies that the DRC will be able to begin a phase of claiming compensation for the victims of Rwandan abuses. “And this is where we are going with Rwanda's right to perhaps appeal. And still at court level, there is an appeals chamber. It is beyond the appeals chamber that we will move on to the phase of claiming compensation for the victims of Paul Kagame's Rwandan actions in the DRC,” Mbemba clarified.

He also mentioned that “the procedural deadlines, at this stage, we cannot give them to you because each country will come, therefore Rwanda like the DRC, with its pretensions, and all this will play out over time. the first instance will take to deal with it, but also perhaps a possible appeal that Rwanda will file.”

The EAC Court of Justice plays a crucial role in protecting human and peoples' rights in Africa, complementing the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. Samuel Mbemba concluded by reaffirming the DRC's commitment to this procedure, declaring: “We are determined to pursue this path to defend the rights and sovereignty of our country. »

Civil society in Nyiragongo report entry of 9 trucks full of elements from Rwanda entering DRC soil

 About 9 trucks arrived in the Kibumba axis, full of items. So, (the Rwandan Defense Forces) continue to strengthen around Goma and Saké,” warns Jean-Claude Bambaze, a member of civil society in North Kivu.

“Two days ago, they attacked the positions of volunteers for the defense of the homeland, in other words the Wazalendo in Masisi. And in Lubero, they also attacked the locality of Kikuvo and Katwe,” he says. .

“It must be recognized that the M23 does not intend to stop the war of conquest. It is, in any case, preparing for attacks on large cities,” he indicates.

"They respect absolutely nothing. While they are talking about a ceasefire, they say that they are not concerned by this ceasefire and that it is the business of Rwanda and Congo," he further complains. Jean-Claude Mbabaze who lastly points out the latest M23 press release.

“This proves a de facto balkanization, especially since a government plane is prevented from flying over the air they call home. This is proof that these people want to create a state within a state,” says this member of the Civil Society of North Kivu

Civil Society Against Redeployment of Kenyan Military

The provincial coordination of civil society in North Kivu is firmly opposed to the return of Kenyan soldiers to the DRC. In a statement published this Thursday, civil society expressed its categorical refusal to the redeployment of Kenyan troops to support MONUSCO and the Congolese army in the fight against the M23 rebels.

Civil society in North Kivu fears that the presence of foreign soldiers will contribute to the escalation of violence and compromise national sovereignty.

Exchanges of fire on the border with the Rwanda nea Goma

 

This Thursday, gunfire was reported at the small border fence between the DRC and the Rwanda . According to several sources, an armed man, identified as a " Muzalendo ", opened fire in the direction of Rwanda. The Rwandan army reportedly responded to the gunfire. For the moment, no official source from either country has confirmed the incident.

Intelligence analysis, deductions and conclusions on the entry of South Sudanese veterans of former vice president Riek Machar on DRC soil.

 

Yesterday ,I hinted on distorted unconfirmed reports from my confidants of the presence of South Sudanese soldiers,as we made more thorough intelligence collections we came to establish that this alarming event has not occurred in DR Congo. Claims that Around a hundred veterans of former South Sudanese vice-president Riek Machar were welcomed on Congolese soil, landing in Dungu before being evacuated by MONUSCO helicopters to Bunia. This development raises crucial questions about the DRC’s welcoming policy towards foreign armed groups.As person who was born near the border and well travelled throught the central and eastern Africa,who has operated on at least every border post of eastern DRC, with unrefuted knowledge on security issues in DRC,Before I get to bed,I decided to get this intelligence digest about this issue.Here it goes.

A situation which could have disastrous consequences for the stability of the country. The DRC, already facing major internal challenges, appears to be becoming a welcoming land for foreign military actors seeking refuge. Recent history has shown that the country has often opened its arms to armed groups who, due to internal conflicts, seek to reorganize or flee their own crises.

The claim of arrival of these former South Sudanese combatants is not just a simple news item; it is part of a worrying trend where the DRC is becoming a sanctuary for elements that could threaten its sovereignty. At the same time, other countries, have already demonstrated territorial appetites by using security pretexts to justify incursions on Congolese soil.

Wouldn't it be naive to think that the current situation with South Sudan could not evolve in the same direction? The Congolese authorities must realize that welcoming these fighters could open the door to territorial claims disguised under the guise of security. Faced with this situation, a burning question emerges: where have the Congolese intellectuals gone?

The DRC has a rich tradition of thinkers, writers and analysts capable of providing profound reflections on the socio-political issues of the country. Yet it seems that the urgency of the situation is often overshadowed by widespread apathy or deafening silence. Intellectuals have a crucial role to play in denouncing the abuses of national politics and crisis management.

Their absence on the public scene, faced with the arrival of these veterans, could be interpreted as an abandonment of the dignity and honor which should characterize the struggle.

The claimed arrival of South Sudanese veterans: A warning signal for the DRC's national sovereignty. It is time for these voices to be raised and start the debate on the direction the DRC is taking. The DRC must learn the lessons of its history and act quickly to preserve its sovereignty and stability.

The claimed arrival of former South Sudanese combatants should not be seen only as a threat, but as an opportunity for the DRC to review its security strategy. Authorities must not only strengthen national defense capabilities, but also develop policies for the integration of refugees and former combatants that do not compromise national security.

The international community, including MONUSCO, must also play an active role to ensure that the DRC does not become the scene of regional conflicts exacerbated by these movements of armed populations. Cooperation between countries in the region is essential to prevent the DRC from becoming a battleground for South Sudanese rivalries.

The current situation in Dungu should not be taken lightly. The arrival of former South Sudanese combatants is a wake-up call that should encourage Congolese authorities, intellectuals and civil society to mobilize.

If nothing is done, we could soon see territorial claims which, under the pretext of security, could jeopardize the integrity of the country. It is time for the DRC to stand up, refuse to be a passive victim of foreign conflicts and begin to write its own future with dignity and honor.

Fighting continues between M23 and Wazalendo

The clashes of this Wednesday, August 28 took place in Kasesero towards Lubwe South/Tongo.

An anonymous source in the region contacted indicates that it was the M23 rebels who attacked the positions of the young WAZALENDO resistance fighters, in turn, the WAZALENDO lit fire on the enemy.

The Rwandan rebels of the M23  went in disarray abandoning kikuvo to retreat to kirumba During harsh clashes against the FARDC and wazalendo Yesterday Tuesday 08/27/2024 .There claims that FARDC and Wazalendo are around this strategic village.

Rutshuru

The connection of telephone calls even internet completely disrupted in Bwisha chiefdom and more particularly in Rubare, Kiwanja, Rutshuru center, Binza and Bunagana.Intelligence reports got yesterday and today indicate that this network problem started yesterday and it was even reported in some parts of Masisi.

“No telephone communications in the area. We have difficulty communicating with our people,” complains a resident of the area.

Eight 𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗖 soldiers were sentenced to the death penalty on Tuesday by the 𝗚𝗼𝗺𝗮 garrison military court for extortion, murder of civilians and dissipation of ammunition. The convicts come from the Republican Guard and the Military Police. Some of these convicts are notably involved in the murder of two civilians, Friday August 23, 2024 in the evening in the village of Buhombo, in the Munigi group, Nyiragongo territory.

2 Congolese die and 5 injured in a traffic accident on the Kisoro Kabale road in Kisoro district.

According to initial data, the Kisoro Territorial Police recorded a fatal road accident

involving a black motor vehicle registered CGO 9777AB /07 Toyota Noah.

This happened on 27/08/2024 at around 8:30 p.m. at Kagano Village, Muhindura Parish, Kanaba Sub-County, Kisoro District, along Kisoro Kabale Road in Kisoro District.

The deceased are:

1. Katmbo Kisinziro, resident of Butembo in the Democratic Republic of Congo and,

2. The body of an adult woman whose identity has not yet been established.

The injured are, 

Five whose details are not yet established

Driver details not yet established

It is alleged that the above motor vehicle came from Butembo in DR Congo carrying 07 passengers bound for Goma in DR Congo and approached Kasheregenyi trading center in Kagano village, Kanaba sub-county, the along the Kabale Kisoro road at high speed and failed to negotiate the bend and overturned several times in the valley 150 meters from the road, killing two people on the spot and injuring 05.

The scene was visited by Asp Kushaba Micheal dto Kisoro and the team of officers, the victims were rushed to Kisoro Hospital and Mutolere Hospital, and the bodies were taken to the morgue of Kisoro hospital.

Ongoing investigations

The main cause of the accident was excessive speed and reckless driving in the sharp corners.

This is merely a week after another fatal accident at Kyazanga involving a gateway bus from kisoro claimed lives of many including a wife of prominent business man from Bunagana(DRC).This Congolese was recently repatriated and buried in Goma.