Kinshasha's Deputy Division commissioner Blaise Kalimbalimba has been suspended

  The Provincial Commissioner of the Congolese National Police in the City of Kinshasa, the Deputy Divisional Commissioner Blaise KilimbaLimba suspended as a precautionary measure after the attempted escape of a French diplomat in Kinshasa.

Intelligence report fromNorth Kivu: Continuing clashes between Wazalendo resistance fighters from the ANCDH/AFDP movement and M23 rebels in several localities in the Bashali chiefdom in Masisi.

 

Since dawn on Saturday, August 31, M23 rebels have engaged in violent fighting against Wazalendo positions in the villages of Kasura and Bigogwe, in the Bashali Mukoto grouping, in Masisi territory.

The clashes, involving the use of heavy weapons, are taking place while the DRC's armed forces are observing a n under the Luanda Accords.

A mixed patrol of VDP elements reported on the Mweso-Muhongozi road in the Bashali chiefdom.

According to some bikers and other sources in the region, elements of the Collective of Movements for Change reported their presence on the Mweso-Kitshanga road this Saturday, August 31, 2024 for a few hours, but without any military reaction.

The same sources inform that, following this presence of reservist elements in the region, not far from the enemy, some inhabitants of Muhongozi spend their weekend with fear in their stomachs, fearing possible attacks between the two parties in armed conflict.

It is worth remembering that, despite the presence of M23 rebels in Mweso and on the Kitshanga axis, the surrounding villages remain under the control of the VDP and that at any time, things can change, added other local sources in this region of the North Kivu province.

According to the first hand information in our possession, M23 troops launched these offensives from yesterday evening until this Saturday. It's 11 a.m. and the fight is still in progress.

There was an alert message from KIKUVO this Saturday 08/31/2024 warning Wazalendo of an eminent reorganisation by the M23 to lay attacks, The FARDC and Vdp/WAZALENDO on the KIKUVO-kamandi-matembe- alimbongo-mbwavinywa-mbingi/ bingi-lubango-kipese-lubero Axis are of alert  everywhere else here at the Northern Front Lines with  strict security vigilance everywhere.They anticipate a retaliation from the M23.

The populations living around this area retreated to other hills to take shelter from the bombings.

President Tshisekedi fires Tshibangu,replaces him with Sumbu Sita Mambu

 President Félix Tshisekedi dismisses Serge Tshibangu Kabeya from his position as High Representative for monitoring the Luanda Road Map and the Nairobi process. He is replaced in this position by Sumbu Sita Mambu.

Congolese travelling from Goma to Kampala via chanika are complaining of unclear payments of 20,000Ug Shs.

 

Congolese travelers departing from the city of Goma in the DRC, towards Kampala in Uganda, expressed their concern, Thursday August 29, over the obligation to pay the sum of twenty thousand shillings, or 7 USD, to the immigration service at the Chanika post.

According to one Congolese by names of Christian Bila,he noted that,

These Congolese say they do not understand the nature of these fees so the DRC and Uganda had agreed since the beginning of this year to eliminate fees for granting visas in order to promote the free movement of people. 

Bila continued and said that;

“I traveled to Uganda and passed through Chanika but when I arrived there I noticed that each Congolese paid 20,000 shillings, the nature of which we do not know. Is it for the visa or is it collected for something else? I would still like us to be able to enlighten public opinion on this and that would be a good thing,” said Christian Bila.

The free trade zone has been operational since January 1 between Uganda and the DRC.

Kagame dismisses top miltary officers after a high command meeting.

  This announcement begins by saying, "The President of the Republic of Rwanda and the Supreme Leader dismissed from the RDF Maj Gen Martin Nzaramba, Col Dr Etienne Uwimana and 19 other soldiers at the level of senior and junior officers."

The RDF leadership also said that the President of the Republic approved the dismissal and cancellation of contracts of 195 other soldiers with other positions.

This incident is got outside after hours when  President Paul Kagame and the Supreme Leader of the RDF held a meeting with the Generals and other senior soldiers in the Rwandan Army, which took place on Thursday, August 29, 2024. He returned to the peace and security of Rwanda. This announcement begins by saying: "The President of the Republic of Rwanda and the Supreme Leader dismissed from the RDF Maj Gen Martin Nzaramba, Col Dr Etienne Uwimana and 19 other soldiers of at the level of senior and junior officers.”

This miracle is going outside after hours, President Paul Kagame and the Supreme Leader of the RDF held a meeting with the Generals and other senior soldiers in the Rwandan Army, which took place on Thursday, August 29, 2024. He returned to the peace and security of Rwanda. 

Many Intelligence strategists points at misunderstandings inside the top brass of RDF over the war in DRC.Many office did not buy Kagame's side have been sidelined.However ,in military,laying off an office is normal at times depending on a variet of circumstances.

Major General Martin Nzaramba, who retired a year earlier on August 30, 2023, had previously served as the Director of the Nasho Military Academy. Notably, Nzaramba was once married to Captain Doreen Kayitesi Nzaramba, the sister of Major Dr. Théogène Rudasingwa and Gerard Gahima, both prominent critics of President Kagame’s administration residing abroad. Colonel Dr. Etienne Uwimana, a medical doctor with long service at the Kanombe Military Hospital, was responsible for radiology services and had a significant role within the military health sector.

The RDF’s statement, devoid of specific reasons for the dismissals, has sparked speculation. Observers and analysts have drawn connections between the dismissals and Kagame’s closed-door meeting with military leaders.sources within the RDF suggest that Major General Nzaramba had refused deployment to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while Colonel Dr. Uwimana allegedly issued a false medical certificate to support Nzaramba’s refusal.

This development is occurring in a context of escalating tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. On August 16, 2024, RDF spokesperson Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga announced the recruitment of reservists, the first of its kind, set to begin on August 19, 2024. While Rwivanga denied any link between the recruitment and potential conflict, analysts have interpreted this move as a preparation for possible war, particularly in light of strained relations with the DRC.

Rwanda’s military presence in the DRC, allegedly supporting the M23 rebel group, has further exacerbated tensions. The situation escalated on August 29, 2024, with a brief exchange of gunfire between Rwandan and Congolese forces at the Rubavu-Goma border. This incident underscores the precarious nature of the relationship between the two nations.

The dismissal of these high-ranking officers could be seen as an attempt by President Kagame to consolidate control over the military amidst these regional challenges. However, the opacity surrounding the reasons for these dismissals raises concerns about the internal dynamics within the RDF and Kagame’s approach to governance.

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