The situation from the 4th ministerial meeting on Rwanda and DRC conflict

The 4th ministerial meeting between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, under the mediation of the Republic of Angola. 

⏹️The ministers of RDC- Rwanda have been informed of the results of the meeting between the Facilitation and the delegation of AFC/M23, devoted mainly to their adherence to the cease-fire in force since August 4, 2024. 
⏹️ The meeting reviewed and approved the minutes of the ministerial session of August 20 and 21, 2024, and also reviewed the report of the intelligence experts meeting of August 29 and 30, 2024 in Rubavu, Rwanda, the emphasis on the harmonized plan for the neutralization of the FDLR and the disengagement of forces/the lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda.

NYIRAGONGO: VIOLENT Clashes between the FARDC and the M23 rebels in the PNVI on September 14

 

Violent clashes broke out on Saturday, September 14 in the afternoon between the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the rebels of the M23 group in the depth of the National Park of Volcanoes (PNVi), along the 'axe Kanyabuki. According to the Civil Society of Nyiragongo Territory, which alerted on the situation, the M23-AFC rebels tried to penetrate a position of the government forces. "The forces of M23, who are used to these attempts, were quickly repelled and are now pursued without repetition. Ils n'osent plus s'aventurer davantage", declared a representative of the Civil Society.

The Civil Society also called on the population to support the FARDC as well as the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), who, according to it, are giving their blood for the defense of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. "We urge the population to continue to support the armed forces and the VDP in this crucial struggle for peace and security," she added. The Civil Society also requested the continuation of the offensive against the M23 rebels. These fightings occur a week after similar violent confrontations in the region, illustrating the persistence of the security crisis in the east of the DRC.

As Rwanda demands the expulsion of FDLR from DRC,the leaders of FDLR and FLN are rumoured to be holding a meeting in Burundi

According to whispers from Bujumbura,There are rumours around the city that the rebel leaders ,Lt Gen Hamada Habimana who is considered to be the supreme commander of the FLN forces, Gen Ntawunguka Pacifique who is the head of the FDLR army, Brig Gen Antoine Hakizimana who is the head of the FLN army and Col Honore Hategekimana Theophile also from the FLN are holding a grand meeting in Burundi.Meanwhile ,the DRC is demamding Rwanda to first withdraw its army from DRC soil for it to also respond to Rwandan demand of chasing a way the FDLR.Rwanda has declined to behave to the demands of DRC.

Hanwha Defence, a major South Korean defense contractor, and an army infantry division have begun testing a new six-wheeled, 2-ton Multi-Purpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle (M-UGV).

 

This vehicle, which can carry up to 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) of cargo and travel over 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) on a single charge, was first unveiled in July 2021.

The M-UGV, also known as the intelligence UGV (I-UGV), can be controlled remotely or operate autonomously. Its roles include surveillance, logistics transport, casualty evacuation, and combat support. The vehicle features airless tires and a low profile, ideal for its reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It is equipped with a Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) that uses artificial intelligence to detect and return fire in the direction of incoming gunfire.

The field demonstration, which began on October 8, will test various functions such as remote control, GPS-based autonomous driving, and the RCWS. If communication with the control tower is lost, the I-UGV will attempt to reconnect; if unsuccessful, it will return to its starting location independently.

ADF receiving reinforcements and their freqjuentattacks have led to massive displacements in Lubero

 

According to HUMINT(human intelligence) reports the ADF threat pushes entire villages to empty of their inhabitants in Lubero and since Wednesday September 11, 2024, several localities in the Bapakombe group, located in the Bapere sector, in Lubero territory (North Kivu), have been deserted by their populations. This massive displacement is observed in particular in the villages of Bilulu, Lubumbashi, Mabilima, Loya, Hoho and Makumo, which are also located on the border of the territory of Mambasa, in Ituri.

This wave of displacement follows a new attack by rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which occurred in the village of Bukoka, located just two hours' walk from the territorial limit between Lubero and Mambasa. Fearing for their safety, civilians fled towards Kambau, the capital of the Bapakombe grouping. This town, already marked by bloody massacres perpetrated by the same terrorists, nevertheless represents their last refuge.

The provincial deputy and former customary chief of the Bapere sector, Mwami Bongombi Faïsi Enock, sounded the alarm. According to him, the ADF rebels appear to be receiving reinforcements from their fighters who have been operating since June 12, 2024 in this area. Even more worrying, he claims that these terrorist groups circulate freely in the region and go so far as to organize football matches with their hostages in the village of Bododhea, under the helpless gaze of the security forces.

Mwami Bongombi strongly calls on the national authorities to take urgent measures to restore security in this region.

Victims of Kony's insurgence demand repatriation of 60 Congolese from Gulu refugee transit camp

  The association of victims of the atrocities of the Kony Lord's resistance army (LRA) and the civil society of the Congolese people are pleading for the repatriation of sixty (60) Congolese stranded in the neighboring Republic of Uganda.

They made this known in a declaration read this Thursday, September 12, 2024, before the administrator of the territory of Dungu in the province of Haut-Uele

According to them, these compatriots who were kidnapped during the massacres called "Christmas" by LRA rebels in the provinces of Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele, in the former Orientale in 2008, live in inhumane conditions. in the Gulu transit site in Uganda, while they await repatriation to the DRC.

Akotama Moïse, secretary of this association who affirms that the contract of the NGO which took care of the repatriation of these Congolese is nearing its end, asks the government to invest in the return of these Congolese and that compensation be made for these victims.

“Based on the information in our possession, the NGO Action for Rural Promotion which led this LRA DDRR process from the CAR to Uganda with funding from PAX, whose contract will end on September 25, 2024, wants to leave Uganda without having repatriated our brothers and sisters to the country and this NGO and its partners want to force our brothers to stay in Uganda without their consent", according to their statement.

Recall that in July 2023, the Central African and Ugandan governments, with the support of MINUSCA, voluntarily repatriated around sixty ex-LRA combatants and their families to the city of Entebbe in Uganda. These families had lived in the CAR for around ten years..

Rwanda's Mi-17 and Mi-35M multirole combat helicopter

Mi35

Mi17

Two Mi-17 transport helicopters and two Mi-35M attack helicopters belonging to the Rwandan Air Force were seen flying over Amahoro Stadium in the capital Kigali on Sunday 11 August for the inauguration of President Paul Kagame, who was sworn in for his fourth term. They were subsequently seen on at least one other occassion.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI’s) arms transfers database, Rwanda ordered four Mi-35Ms in 2019. These were spotted at Rostvertol in 2021 and delivered in 2022. Rwanda previously acquired six Mi-17s from Russia in 2014/2015.

Compared to the earlier Mi-24, the upgraded Mi-35M is far more capable. It features several improvements over its predecessors, such as new avionics with multifunction colour displays, more powerful Klimov VK-2500 turboshaft engines developing 2 200 shp, fibreglass main rotor blades, main rotor head with elastomeric joints, a new swashplate and X-type tail rotor. The Mi-35M’s fuselage has shortened stub wings and fixed landing gear. The helicopter’s sighting system has a thermal imager, TV camera and laser rangefinder and designator.

According to Russian Helicopters, weapons include Ataka-V or Shturm-V ant-tank missiles and Igla-V air-to-air missiles, 80 or 122 mm rockets and a GSh-231 23-mm twin-barrel cannon. In addition to weapons, the Mi-35M can carry up to eight personnel in its cabin or cargo weighing 1 500 kg while up to 2 400 kg can be carried on an external sling.

The helicopter’s self-protection suite includes a radar warning receiver, chaff & flare dispenser, infrared jammer and engine exhaust suppressor.

The new acquisitions bring the Rwandan military’s rotary wing fleet to 24 Mi-17s, seven Mi-24s and four Mi-35s. The Rwandan government also flies a single A109 and a single AW139 helicopter as well as a G550 business jet.

Some of Rwanda’s Mi-17s have been deployed with the United Nations in South Sudan (one crashed there in March 2019).

The only other aircraft in the Rwandan Air Force’s fleet are Cessna 208 Grand Caravan fixed wing aircraft – two were acquired from the United States in 2021. These were supplied through grand aid funding, with the US government providing 14 Grand Caravan EX aircraft to several countries in Africa, including Tunisia and Djibouti. ATI Engineering in 2020 was contracted to convert the two Grand Caravans for the Rwanda Defence Force under the US military’s African Partnership Flight initiative. They were fitted with secure HF and UHF radios, Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) interior and exterior lighting, and a reconfigurable multi-mission interior featuring two ambulatory medical stretcher kits, 11 passenger seats, eight collapsible utility seats and a removable rollerball cargo floor.

Other relatively recent acquisitions by Rwanda, according to SIPRI, include three SH-1 122mm self-propelled guns from China (2018), 50 Red Arrow-9 anti-tank missiles from China in 2017/18, two RM-70 122 mm self-propelled guns from Slovakia (2019), 76 Cobra APCs from Turkey (2012-2017), and 53 Cobra 2 APCs from Turkey in 2021.

The Mi-35M Attack helicopter is operated by multiple countries including Russia, Nigeria, Mali, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan.

Mi-35M is a multi-role combat helicopter manufactured by Rostvertol, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. It is an export variant of Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter.

Primarily designed for attack and military transport missions, the helicopter offers a superior flight performance and manoeuvrability compared to its predecessor.

The production of Mi-35M started in 2005. The aircraft integrates modern, high-precision weaponry for destroying ground-based armoured targets and providing air support for ground missions. It can be modified as an attack, ground assault, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) or transport platform.

Mi-35M is one of the modern combat helicopters in the Russian Air Force inventory. It is also operated by the armed forces of many countries including Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Mali.

The helicopter was displayed at the Army-2021 international military and technical forum in Moscow, Russia, in August 2021.

MI-35M features

Based on the Mi-24 Hind, Mi-35M military helicopter incorporates several improvements, including shortened stub wings, a new rotor system, modern avionics, upgraded turboshaft engines and a hydraulic system. The cockpit and vital components of the helicopter are heavily armoured.

The helicopter has an overall length of 21.6m, wingspan of 6.5m, and height of 6.5m. Its take-off weight in ferry configuration is 12,000kg. It can carry eight troops or a payload of 2,400kg.

Mi-35M military helicopter cockpit and avionics

The glass cockpit of the Mi-35M accommodates two pilots in tandem configuration. The night vision goggle (NVG)-compatible cockpit integrates multi-functional displays (MFDs), redundant flight controls, and state-of-the-art avionics.

The helicopter is equipped with an OPS-24N surveillance-and-sighting station, a television channel, a GPS-guided navigation system, and an optional non-Russian radio station.

Hind E armament

The chin-mounted turret can be installed with the twin-barrel GSh-23V 23mm cannon with 450 to 470 rounds of ammunition. The gun can fire 3,400 to 3,600 rounds a minute. The stub wings can carry a range of weapon systems, including anti-tank missiles, rocket pods/gun pods or fuel tanks.

The military helicopter can be armed with up to eight 9М114 or 9M120 Ataka-V SACLOS radio-guided anti-tank missiles, up to 80 ‘S-8’ 80mm unguided rockets, and 20 ‘S-13’ type 122mm unguided aircraft rockets.

Countermeasures of Mi-35M

The countermeasures suite of Mi-35M includes a radar warning receiver, a laser range finder and a location finder, chaff and flare launch system, infrared (IR) jamming system, and engine-exhaust IR suppressor.

Mi-35M helicopter engines and performance

The military helicopter is powered by two ТVЗ-117VМА or VK-2500 engines. Each engine develops a maximum power output of 2,200hp. The engines are designed to support high-altitude missions.

The helicopter can fly at a maximum speed of 305km/h. Its operational altitude is 5,400m. The helicopter has a normal range of 460km and can reach a maximum distance of 1,000km with full fuel load.

It can be deployed in combat missions in different geographies with high-temperature and high-altitude environments and features round-the-clock combat capabilities for conducting missions during day and night. It is also capable of operating from unprepared and poorly equipped airfields.

Mi-35M orders and deliveries

In 2005, Venezuela signed two contracts with Rosoboronexport for eight Mi-35M helicopters. The helicopters that were delivered to Venezuela were fitted with VK-2500 engines for high-altitude operations.

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) signed a $150m contract with Rosoboronexport for 12 Mi-35M helicopters in November 2008. The helicopters were manufactured by Rostvertol at its facility in Rostov-on-Don. The first three helicopters were delivered in December 2009.

The Brazilian Air Force started operating three Mi-35M helicopters in April 2010. The helicopters in FAB service are referred to as AH-2 Sabre. Nine helicopters were delivered by August 2012. The final helicopter was delivered in December 2014.

However, in February 2022, the Brazilian Air Force withdrew the entire fleet of Mi-35M from operations, citing high operating costs, inconvenient logistics and inadequate manufacturer support.

Azerbaijan signed a contract with Rosoboronexport for the delivery of 24 Mi-35M helicopters in September 2010. By 2012, 12 helicopters were delivered and the rest were delivered in November 2013.

The Iraqi Ministry of Defence received the first delivery of four Mi-35M helicopters in November 2013. Four helicopters were delivered in July 2014 and the rest were delivered in October 2014.

Nigeria ordered 12 Mi-35M combat helicopters in 2015. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) received two helicopters in December 2016, while two more helicopters were delivered in April 2018. Nigeria ordered additional 12 helicopters in October 2019.

Pakistan signed an agreement to purchase four Mi-35M helicopters from Russia in 2015. The helicopters were delivered in 2018.

Rosoboronexport signed a contract with Kazakhstan for the supply of four helicopters in January 2017. Kazakhstan ordered four additional Mi-35M helicopters in May 2018. It received a batch of four helicopters in June 2020.

The Republic of Mali received two helicopters from Rosoboronexport in October 2017.

Russia and Uzbekistan signed a contract for the delivery of 12 Mi-35M helicopters in March 2018. Uzbekistan received the first helicopter in 2021.

Belarus signed a contract for four Mi-35M helicopters at the Army-2020 international military and technical forum in Russia in August 2020.

The Mi-35M Attack helicopter is operated by multiple countries including Russia, Nigeria, Mali, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan and Rwanda now.

Over view and specifications!

Mi-35M is a multi-role combat helicopter manufactured by Rostvertol, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. It is an export variant of Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter.

Primarily designed for attack and military transport missions, the helicopter offers a superior flight performance and manoeuvrability compared to its predecessor.

Mi-35M is one of the modern combat helicopters in the Russian Air Force inventory. It is also operated by the armed forces of many countries including Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Mali.

The helicopter was displayed at the Army-2021 international military and technical forum in Moscow, Russia, in August 2021.

MI-35M features

Based on the Mi-24 Hind, Mi-35M military helicopter incorporates several improvements, including shortened stub wings, a new rotor system, modern avionics, upgraded turboshaft engines and a hydraulic system. The cockpit and vital components of the helicopter are heavily armoured.

The helicopter has an overall length of 21.6m, wingspan of 6.5m, and height of 6.5m. Its take-off weight in ferry configuration is 12,000kg. It can carry eight troops or a payload of 2,400kg.

Mi-35M military helicopter cockpit and avionics

The glass cockpit of the Mi-35M accommodates two pilots in tandem configuration. The night vision goggle (NVG)-compatible cockpit integrates multi-functional displays (MFDs), redundant flight controls, and state-of-the-art avionics.

The helicopter is equipped with an OPS-24N surveillance-and-sighting station, a television channel, a GPS-guided navigation system, and an optional non-Russian radio station.

Hind E armament

The chin-mounted turret can be installed with the twin-barrel GSh-23V 23mm cannon with 450 to 470 rounds of ammunition. The gun can fire 3,400 to 3,600 rounds a minute. The stub wings can carry a range of weapon systems, including anti-tank missiles, rocket pods/gun pods or fuel tanks.

The military helicopter can be armed with up to eight 9М114 or 9M120 Ataka-V SACLOS radio-guided anti-tank missiles, up to 80 ‘S-8’ 80mm unguided rockets, and 20 ‘S-13’ type 122mm unguided aircraft rockets.

Countermeasures of Mi-35M

The countermeasures suite of Mi-35M includes a radar warning receiver, a laser range finder and a location finder, chaff and flare launch system, infrared (IR) jamming system, and engine-exhaust IR suppressor.

Mi-35M helicopter engines and performance

The military helicopter is powered by two ТVЗ-117VМА or VK-2500 engines. Each engine develops a maximum power output of 2,200hp. The engines are designed to support high-altitude missions.

The helicopter can fly at a maximum speed of 305km/h. Its operational altitude is 5,400m. The helicopter has a normal range of 460km and can reach a maximum distance of 1,000km with full fuel load.

It can be deployed in combat missions in different geographies with high-temperature and high-altitude environments and features round-the-clock combat capabilities for conducting missions during day and night. It is also capable of operating from unprepared and poorly equipped airfields.

Mi-35M orders and deliveries

In 2005, Venezuela signed two contracts with Rosoboronexport for eight Mi-35M helicopters. The helicopters that were delivered to Venezuela were fitted with VK-2500 engines for high-altitude operations.

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) signed a $150m contract with Rosoboronexport for 12 Mi-35M helicopters in November 2008. The helicopters were manufactured by Rostvertol at its facility in Rostov-on-Don. The first three helicopters were delivered in December 2009.

The Brazilian Air Force started operating three Mi-35M helicopters in April 2010. The helicopters in FAB service are referred to as AH-2 Sabre. Nine helicopters were delivered by August 2012. The final helicopter was delivered in December 2014.

However, in February 2022, the Brazilian Air Force withdrew the entire fleet of Mi-35M from operations, citing high operating costs, inconvenient logistics and inadequate manufacturer support.

Azerbaijan signed a contract with Rosoboronexport for the delivery of 24 Mi-35M helicopters in September 2010. By 2012, 12 helicopters were delivered and the rest were delivered in November 2013.

The Iraqi Ministry of Defence received the first delivery of four Mi-35M helicopters in November 2013. Four helicopters were delivered in July 2014 and the rest were delivered in October 2014.Iraq also operates up to 40 Mi-17.

It operates a fleet of around 30 to 40 Russian Mi-17 [known to NATO as “Hip”] helicopters, acquired over multiple phases. The first installment of Mi-17s arrived in the early 2000s, soon after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. 

 However,On September 5, 2024, Iraq signed a landmark deal with Airbus to acquire 12 new H225M helicopters, alongside two refurbished units. These versatile helicopters are set to join the Iraqi Army Aviation Command, stepping in to replace the aging Mi-17 helicopters. The reasons for this replace;

The move to replace the Mi-17 fleet with French Airbus H225M helicopters comes down to several key factors. Chief among them is the difficulty in obtaining spare parts for the Russian helicopters, a problem exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and sanctions. 

Moreover, the Mi-17s, although highly effective in past missions, are now seen as technically outdated compared to newer, more advanced helicopters like the H225M. The French helicopters boast superior avionics, greater payload capacity, and a broader range of mission capabilities, from search and rescue to combat support and special operations.

By shifting to the H225M, Iraq aims to modernize its military aviation capabilities while reducing its dependency on Russian military technology. The Airbus helicopters are not only more versatile but are also better suited to meet Iraq’s current security needs thanks to their broad mission capabilities. 

Moreover, the H225M benefits from European suppliers, ensuring more reliable access to parts and service contracts. This translates to higher operational readiness without the supply chain disruptions often seen with the Mi-17 fleet. 

Nigeria ordered 12 Mi-35M combat helicopters in 2015. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) received two helicopters in December 2016, while two more helicopters were delivered in April 2018. Nigeria ordered additional 12 helicopters in October 2019.

Pakistan signed an agreement to purchase four Mi-35M helicopters from Russia in 2015. The helicopters were delivered in 2018.

Rosoboronexport signed a contract with Kazakhstan for the supply of four helicopters in January 2017. Kazakhstan ordered four additional Mi-35M helicopters in May 2018. It received a batch of four helicopters in June 2020.

The Republic of Mali received two helicopters from Rosoboronexport in October 2017.

Russia and Uzbekistan signed a contract for the delivery of 12 Mi-35M helicopters in March 2018. Uzbekistan received the first helicopter in 2021.

Belarus signed a contract for four Mi-35M helicopters at the Army-2020 international military and technical forum in Russia in August 2020.

Jaguar buses banned for 10 days

 The jaguar bus company has been banned from operating on Ugandan roads for 10 days effective September 13th 2024.The state minister for works says that this decision has been made due to the various nasty accidents that the involved in more especially an accident that occurred 0n 1st September in masaka that claimed the lives of 8 people with many other Ugandans fatally injured.

This decision has been a welcome to all Ugandans and specifically the people from Kisoro but still complain that such buses should be indefinitely banned from operating in Uganda. The claim that the operators i.e. the conductors and other officers in charge of these jaguar buses are too arrogant and simply do things the way they want without considering the rights and plight of Ugandan citizens.

Thought this decision is a welcome, many complain that all other buses operating from Kisoro to Kampala, especially those that take on the route during the night usually do not consider any traffic rule or regulation and do not respect the passengers. They say these buses like Jaguar, Bismackarn, Gateway, horizon etc. do overload and the passengers are in great numbers and the traffic s non-existent on the roads or if they are there are always bribed by the conductors.

They say that such unfortunate accidents should be an eye opener to the government of Uganda and the traffic police because most of the buses that come from Kisoro during the night do not follow any traffic regulation.

They lamented that some of the buses are in poor mechanical conditions and cannot be allowed to operate on the roads of some serious countries. One citizen lamented that some buses like Bismarckan own bus that are still on the road but these buses are in poor conditions and for countries like Rwanda, such buses cannot be allowed to operate on their soil. She continues to ask why the government and the police of Uganda are so reluctant in punishing these bus owners who go against the traffic regulations.For Jaguar buses,they even have some conductors who confuse passengers and end up escaping with their transport. fees,at the beginning July this year i went to board a jaguar bus and when I reached their terminal I was confused by one of their conductor who ended up escaping with my money which I was supposed to pay as ticket.However,there are some other good workers at the terminal who helped me much until this conductor promised to pay me back my money ,a thing he did not do,for he only gave me half of that money after a quarrel over the phone.I do not want to disclose his phone number and name here but if you need more clarification i can give further details.

From the lamentations of the people from Kisoro, I can clearly confirm that it is very true that these buses are a problem, buses that operate during the night do not at all respect the traffic rules and regulations. They load passengers exceeding the required number and the traffic police officer are at times nowhere on the road and if they happen to be there, they do not act upon such offenders.

Some of the conductors of the buses go to an extent of fighting with the passengers or abuse the passengers who try to ask why the conductors are violating the traffic rules and regulations.

I personally witnessed scenarios in two buses that cleary are an evidence that these buses operating from Kisoro do not obey or care about any traffic regulation. At the end April I travelled  from Nairobi from an official duty and because I reached Kampala late, I ended up boarding a Bismarkan bus,we had to travel all the night but I was shocked that these buses pick passengers along the way and load them to the extent that the bus is filled up to like 100 people, on this night a passenger that was picked from masaka tried to ask the conductor why he had no sit but instead the conductor resorted to fighting him. I had to call the directorate in police (I thank the police officers at headquarters who usually respond to calls) who directly responded and called the DPC of Kisoro to try and warn the bus owners of such stupid behavior. This conductor was so arrogant that everyone in the bus was angry and had decided to all descend on him and beat him.

Again stopping the buses along the funny points on the road to pick up customers is very dangerous, some of these e points can be used by bad elements like thieves and hijack the bus and rob the travelers of their belongings. This issue must be looked at serious, it is annoying that a bus from Kisoro travelling let say at around mid-night stops at an un secure point just to pick one passenger who is standing on the road. This is very dangerous; thieves and other bad elements may use such a trick to rob the civilians in the bus.

We call upon the Uganda police administration act on the officers operating on the Kisoro-Kampala route especially on buses that take on this route during the night.

A meeting in Luanda scheduled for Saturday with main objective of neutralizing FDLR and withdrawal of M23

 

The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo is destabilized by the action of many armed groups, including the M23, which currently occupies a large part of the province of North Kivu, thanks to the military support of Rwanda. Despite the ceasefire in force for more than a month, Rwandan troops remain deployed on Congolese soil and peace is far from being restored. Meanwhile, Angolan mediation is pushing to find a peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC. 

It is in this context that a new ministerial meeting between the Congolese and Rwandan parties is announced for this Friday, September 14 in Luanda. This new meeting will aim to advance the plan to neutralize the FDLR rebels and withdraw Rwandan troops from DRC soil.

"Today we are working on two levels, on the one hand we must neutralize the FDLR and on the other hand the Rwandan forces must withdraw. On September 14, there will be a new ministerial meeting that will try to analyze the experts' reports but we can note that the ceasefire for example is generally respected even if here and there we deplore incidents in relation to the sensitivity of the region but we think that we are on a good path that can allow us to achieve peace", indicated the government spokesman, Patrick Muyaya, guest on TV5 Monday.

The Congolese government says it is counting on Kigali's sincerity. "We hope that the Rwandan side, which has excelled for a long time in violating what was agreed, will this time be able to choose peace," Muyaya said.

For several months, Kinshasa and Kigali have been discussing around the mediator appointed by the African Union, João Lourenço, Angolan President, a concrete proposal for a lasting and definitive peace agreement for the conflict in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The third ministerial meeting between the Rwandan and Congolese delegations concluded in Luanda, Angola, a few weeks ago. Organized under the aegis of the Angolan authorities, this meeting aimed to advance the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the Congolese army is in confrontation with the M23, a rebel group supported by Kigali.

The parties agreed on the imperative need to implement a plan to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). This plan, initially proposed by Kinshasa, was harmonized during the meetings of 7 and 8 August. A consensus was also reached to strengthen the ad hoc verification mechanism, with the integration of intelligence experts from the three countries. The possibility of involving other actors to ensure compliance with the ceasefire in force since 4 August was also discussed. No significant progress was made on the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese soil, a priority for Kinshasa. Kinshasa also hopes to obtain an end to Kigali's support for the M23, which continues to gain ground, particularly in the Lubero territory in North Kivu.

M23/AFC political commissar arrested in Kyangwali on a recruitment mission

 

M23/AFC political commissar Arrested in Kyangwali Refugee Camp Detained in Hoima

On interrogation by detectives, Baraka confirmed that he was reporting directly to the AFC Commander, Corneille Yobeluo Nangaa (Nangaa)

David Baraka Elonga, the political commissar of the Congolese armed rebel movement known as Congo River Alliance (AFC), who was arrested from Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Kikuube district, western Uganda

David Baraka Elonga, the political commissar of the Congolese armed rebel movement known as Congo River Alliance (AFC), who was arrested from Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Kikuube district, western Uganda, is set to be handed over to UPDF.

Baraka was arrested on September 5, 2024, in Kyangwali where he was actively recruiting refugees to participate in military training in DRC to overthrow the regime of President Felix Thsisekedi.

Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma confirmed Baraka’s arrest, saying he was recruiting rebels in the refugee camp.

He said Baraka would be “handed over to the UPDF” for further management. 

On interrogation by detectives, Baraka confirmed that he was reporting directly to the AFC Commander, Corneille Yobeluo Nangaa (Nangaa).

Baraka disclosed to detectives that he was based in Bunia, Djungu territory, Ituri Province. 

“Security found that Baraka had already recruited 32 people, including four young girls,” said an NGO official at the refugee camp who preferred anonymity to speak freely, adding, “The poor refugees were waiting for a vehicle to take them away from the refugee camp to DRC for military training.”

Police have charged Baraka with a case of “aggravated human trafficking” at Hoima Police Station where he has been detained. 

Baraka’s admission to participating in such a crime could see him attract charges of terrorism and treason. 

The development also confirms United Nations’ recent investigative reports showing that the M23/AFC rebel alliance has been quietly recruiting Congolese refugees from camps in Uganda to replenish their ranks with fighters. 

Officials running NGOs in Kyangwali said Uganda needs to firmly deal with external infiltration of refugee camps by dissidents to recruit fighters for rebellions in the region.

AFC is a coalition of rebel groups that seeks to overthrow the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The principal member of AFC is the UN-sanctioned March 23 Movement (M23).

At its launch on December 15, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, AFC invited armed groups and members of the Congolese military to join its rebellion. 

AFC conducts advocacy and public outreach on behalf of M23 and seeks to extend its armed insurgency beyond eastern DRC. 

The United Nations has since accused the rebel alliance of driving political instability, violent conflict, and civilian displacement. 

Sneaking into the camp

Local leaders say that Baraka may have quietly sneaked into Uganda through the porous Tchomia-Bugoma border point on August 8, 2024. 

“The rebel illegally entered Kyangwali refugee camp ,activated his contacts to recruit as many refugees as possible to return to Congo and fight. The refugees are promised a better life and rewards in future,” said an official at the refugee camp. 

Baraka also disclosed that the refugees were to undertake military training in Bunagana near the borders of Uganda and Rwanda.

There are a lot of claims that M23 has not only tried to recruit from refuge camps but also has many contact points and secret established supply centres in Uganda more especially in Kisoro and other districts in SW Uganda.Some days back,there was a media out cry from Kinshasha that a certain hotel in Kisoro acted as a transit centre for new recruits for M23.

Bunagana, a critical border town, is controlled by M23 rebels.