Painting by Cheri Samba

Lokuta eyaka na ascenseur, kasi vérité eyei na escalier mpe ekomi. Lies come up in the elevator; the truth takes the stairs but gets here eventually. - Koffi Olomide

Ésthetique eboma vélo. Aesthetics will kill a bicycle. - Felix Wazekwa

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Can a new military mission save the Kivus?


Last week, news came over the wire that all the countries of the Great Lakes region had agreed to send a neutral force to attack the M23 and FDLR rebels. Can it be? Are we entering into a new phase of the Congolese crisis?

Maybe, but we should reserve some healthy skepticism. 

First, a few words about the deal itself (it can be read here), which was the result of consultations among members of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). The most important points are:

  • The ICGLR will work with the AU and the UN to create a neutral force "to eradicate M23, FDLR and all other Negative Forces in the Eastern DRC; 
  • The Congolese and Rwandan governments should operationalize the Joint Verification Mechanism and open it to other ICGLR member states;
  • The UN should help create a new (old) team of Special Envoys led (again) by Benjamin Mkapa and Olusegun Obasanjo;
  • The ICLGR will set up its own Group of Experts to compile a report (on what?) for the Conference. 


I will skip over some of these points, although some of them, like sending Obasanjo back to the region, have raised many eyebrows. One might also wonder why we need another Group of Experts - is it to fact-check the UN Group of Experts? (Hint: yes).

Of course, the most important decision was the creation of a new military mission. The details are supposed to be hammered out in a bilateral meeting in Uganda on August 7. 

The geo-politics is intriguing: It apparently took a lot of convincing to make the Rwandan government accept to give M23 the same "negative forces" status as the FDLR, and some say the Ugandan foreign minister helped pressure Rwanda into accepting this deal. The South Africans, who are now at the helm of the African Union and have their own axe to grind with Rwanda over the Kayumba Nyamwasa assassination attempt in their country, were also reportedly outspoken. 

In any case, it would indeed be a sight to behold if AU troops were deployed to hunt down M23 officers in the hills of Runyoni. But will this ever happen? 

Deploying such a mission will require political will and deep pockets, two factors that have been in relatively short supply with regards to these questions in the past. As a reminder, the region wanted MONUC to have the role of hunting down the FDLR in its initial mandate, but the UN Security Council demurred. As recent as 2005, an African Union force of 10,000 was tabled to pursue FDLR and other "negative forces" in the region, but it never materialized. 

Given this past, did the ICLGR bite off more than it can chew? Some Congolese diplomats I have spoken with worry that by asking too much, the ICGLR is setting itself up for failure. Why not pursue the more achievable goal of creating mixed patrols out of Congolese, Rwanda and UN troops along the Rwandan border, across which the alleged supply lines for the M23 pass? This could have been set up relatively quickly, whereas a neutral force could take months of not years to deploy, during which time the situation on the ground could change. Was this not a way, these diplomats asked, to win some time for the M23 to advance? 

In the meantime, the diplomatic dance has continued. US Special Advisor Barry Walkley visited Kigali two weeks ago and met with foreign minister Louise Mushikwabo; the message was reportedly stern, and the answer unsurprising. There have also been calls between Washington and Kigali, and the US has cut a symbolic amount of $200,000 in military support to Rwanda, and has canceled a couple high-levels trips to Kigali. However it is less clear whether the visit by British Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell to Kigali was similarly critical.

In the meantime, the situation is changing on the ground. According to several reports, a coalition of Mai-Mai and Raia Mutomboki took control of Walikale this morning. They suggest that Tsheka Ntaberi, a notorious Mai-Mai commander, figured in this coalition. This raises the possibility that the offensive is linked to the M23, as Tsheka has had tight links with Bosco Ntaganda and other ex-CNDP commanders in the past. Also, there are reports from both South Kivu and Ituri that M23 has been intensifying its outreach efforts to armed groups there, as already was documented in the UN Group of Experts report; it is not yet clear how successful these efforts have been.

So back to the initial question: Can a neutral force save the Kivus? Perhaps, although it would be a further militarization of an already militarized approach to the conflict in the region. But more to the point, it is far from sure than such a force will ever materialize. 

74 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sad story.Hope whoever can get in touch with gov will let them know that not paying soldiers is an act of treason. Mobilization means putting everything in place to succeed.Gimmicks won't solve the issue.If rai can flash money, how come gov can't pay his own damn soldiers?
Blaise

Hannah said...

Have you listened to Walkley's comments? They weren't just reportedly stern. He is not hesitating on stating his position.
One of his statements is up on Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUPKpixca0w

Anonymous said...

Thank you Hannah. You were right and you precision is really important. He said that Rwandan military must leave the DRC.

Anonymous said...

Looks like it is always necessary to double check the information we get on this site.

Anonymous said...

This IGLR thing is just wast of time and empty wish list.

There will be no military force that will track M23 or FDLR and from my sources Rwanda is decided to not leave M23. Even more troops and money are being channeled in the Kivu to make the situation unmangeable by DRc gov -wat is already the case.

In DRC, basically soldiers are not fighting any more. More and more officers are voicing their defiance against Kinshasa high military command.2 individuals are particularly targeted: gnl Amisi Tango 4 and kabila himself. From what I heard, It is because of this security risk that Kabila did not go to Goma after Addis. Risk was too hig for his physical integrity.

Yesterday it seems presidential guard and fardc fired at each other briefly in Goma, still waiting for confirmation .

All these FARDC that are basically politly mutining against Kabila are a huge destabilization factors for Kinshasa. They are either future May May, but with far more fire power and training, or future M23 allies or future coup attempter.

Anyway, the failed leadership Kabila has shown and that we have been critizing here is creating more problems. He is not even anymore in position to command his troop. And because of that he will pay them less and less and the situation will deteriorate until these soldiers gets totally out of control. The first who will pay will be civilians as usual.

A plan B is also being prepared in case the "neutral force" come. rwandese national will be sent in kivus under refugees repatriation. With poulation number in their area of inrerest Masisi, rutshuru, mining sites, rwanda will continue to peacefully rule kivu.because of that congolese nationality will become a serious issues in coming day. You can see it by Rwanda refusal to take back Rwandese captured by MoNusco arguing that there is no proof they are Rwandese.... You can already imagine Rwanda crying that DRC is marginalizinv the tutsi community and denying them citizenship...that will start soon.

In the Monusco side the iglr accord was taken as slap in the face. By accepting "neutral " forces, it is implied that Monusco is not neutral... Monusco officials did not understand why drc gov accepted such wording that make them look like the bad guys while they fought with and supported the government while protecting civilians as much as they could.

Only good thing mobilization in the state is getting steam, slight change in Obama administration position toward rwanda. But public opinion is turning agaisnt rwanda invasion. However without a credible drc gov, it will be difficult for drc to capitalize this symphaty.

If Kabila continue to be so mediocre and accept everything this farce will continue for long.

PK

Anonymous said...

I do like : o.c.'more achievable goal of creating mixed patrols out of Congolese, Rwanda and UN troops along the Rwandan border, across which the alleged supply lines for the M23 pass', eventually also used for tracking down M23 and FDLR as well as other criminal or negative actors in these provinces.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, as you say, UK Secretary of State for International Development Andrew Mitchell appears to have a soft spot for Kagame and his spiel on eastern DRC. As a result, the UK is ploughing ahead with plans to begin budgetary support for Rwanda, regardless of the Rwandan government's cavalier attitude to international conventions. Time for some tough questions in Parliament?

Anonymous said...

If we want a durable peace in Congo we have to get rid of Kabila and have the will of the people as expressed by their real votes respected.

Patrick said...

A few weeks ago, I was reading on this very blog how the FARDC was a different force now: better trained, better equipped (including attack helicopters), someone even mentioned that military operations against M23 were led by a fearless commander. All this seems to have vanished. There is clearly a flawed and corrupt leadership across the board. If they are so intent on keeping the Kivus as part of the DRC, why not move part of the central government to Goma to show that they really care about Kivutians and start tackle some of the basic issues of security, cooperation between communities,etc. Rwanda has been doing what any militarily strong country will do when living next to a resource rich, weak and corrupt state. Back in the 80s/90s Habyarimana had the same ambition of capturing the Kivus and add them to Rwanda. Apart from his close relationship with Mobutu, the other reason why he couldn't execute his plans was the relatively strong security and military system that Mobutu had in place. Why can't the current leadership patiently rebuild such a structure ?

Anonymous said...

@Patrick
Current leadership is the problem, and every Congolese knows that. This is why they have been severly beaten in the elections. Unfortunately they could use violence and force against a population who does not want them to cling to power. All this with the complicity of the US/UK.

congo man said...

If the DRC government allows Rwanda,Uganda and Burundi to take part on any AU force that will be deployed to the KIVUS ,that will be the end of the KABILA regime .tensions are very high through the Country ,and the people will rise against any force that contains soldiers from Rwanda.this time it will be suicidal for KABILA to allow any Rwandan force to enter the Country. The people are tired of humiliations and any compromise that allows Rwanda back to the Country will lead to a bloody popular uprising through the Country .

congo man said...

This forces needs to come from friendly or non hostile nations like SOUTH AFRICA,ANGOLA,KENYA...but not Rwanda.Rwanda under Kagame has proven to be the sworn enemy of the DRC .the DRC ,the AU and Monusco has to determine and deside on this matter .after all the disastrous joint Rwanda and DRC military operations in the Kivus. Why anyone will except this to succeed ?

blaise said...

@ Pk,
very interesting insight from u.The meeting of Addis wasn't as convivial as they made us believe.According to jeune afrique,Rwanda was clinking to a political solution while Kinshasa was talking about military actions.
at the end of the day, the problem of financing the force and contributing in men will be tricky.The only power that may be willing to go will be Rwanda. I seriously doubt they will go after the M23.
Talking about Rwanda, it's interesting that pres Kagame not only change his army chief of staff but also appoint a new head of military intelligence and external security.
http://rwandinfo.com/eng/kagame-appoints-maj-gen-kamanzi-as-new-army-chief/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Rwandinfo_EN+%28Articles+on+Rwandinfo+English%29
I wonder what is the end game here.
It's unfortunate that our soldiers are left like that(some1 said soldiers believe Amisi is jinxing them) .somebody said ex cndp still in Fardc are controlling Jomba and Kitchanga.I wondering for how long if they are not getting pay as allege.
Now that Rai is in Walikale, maybe those group are securing their sources of revenues.
Overall, in many country, grl Etumba should have resign after this "200 rebels left" debacle. Personally, I will have kept Mayala in Kivus(not as the overall commander) to regain his lost honor.
The big question now is when will the gov will start negotiations.(it will happen probably).
I hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

congo man said...

@ patrick
I don't think Rwanda has a strong military, the Rwandan army is nothing but a tribal militia, yes the FARDC are better equiped ,but the bigest problem that we have is corrupt leadership inside the army,and the luck of patriotism .if Mobutu had a strong military ,both KAGAME and KABILA will stil be in the bush as rebels today . Our soldiers are willing and ready to defeat the enemies but they are being sold out by corrupt commanders .people like Tangofour and all the former rebels from groups like RCD ...should have been charged with treason and sent to MAKALA for aiding the Rwandan occupation,but instead they are being rewarded with commanding posts. I don't think the m23 will survive,they are a doomed movement they will momentarily occupy places like BUNAGANA and some villages in north Kivu and that's about it.

Anonymous said...

A while back I mentioned in a post to Rich that it is not always appropriate to speak in term of "the West" as if there are no divergences in how various countries perceive their respective national interests. At the time I was concerned that the US and the UK seemed to be moving in different directions. Jason seems to be suggesting this is the case.

My thinking was that the US and Belgium were acting along parallel lines towards a common position. Colette Braeckman seems to think Brussels is a bit unsure of itself at the moment...I don't doubt there is consternation at the apparent collapse of the FARDC after initial successes by Belgian trained units.

I'm a bit ambivalent about an AU sponsored force, is there any such thing as a neutral force? Would Francophone countries like Senegal be welcome? West African countries are focused on Mali; Kenya might be an honest broker but it is engaged in Somalia.

South Africa seems to be flexing its diplomatic muscle...but it always seems reluctant to back its diplomacy with military force. That might have to change now that it has taken over the helm at the AU. South Africa certainly fought hard to promote its candidacy at the AU - now it will find that power brings responsibility. It certainly has a stake in the ongoing conflict in the DRC.

Bruce

Anonymous said...

USA: Bill Clinton attendu mercredi au Rwanda

Anonymous said...

Sur INGETA Paul Kagamé : “Our Kind of Guy”

Anonymous said...

Tout savoir sur l'opération Somba Zongisa: c'est ICI

Anonymous said...

The first huddle has been crossed, as Kagame has acknowledged that M23 militia is “a negative force” equal to FDLR, if not more.

The next huddle is to make all Kagamists of the world see that they can’t bring the ”Somali spirit” to Congo. This consists in people inclined to never wanting live with others, so they bomb and kill each other for no reason or no cause at all. But achieving it may be impossible as Kagame is determined to cling to power and never allow Rwandans to reconcile, and the region to live in peace and prosperity. So what to do in a short term?

The “int’l force” agreed upon should be sent, not to combat the M23 directly, but along the DRC-Rwanda border to dispel all excuses of cross border involvement. MONUSCO is the immediate choice, but as Kagame will expectedly object, African countries who have realised comprehensively how Kagame is hampering the “renaissance” of our continent by frustrating the most central African country to this end, should be involved(South Africa, Angola, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania…).

As for Congolese, this struggle will be long and painful. Besides the military aspect, the focus should be on reaching out to the American people to expose what CNN and co. don’t want them to know about Congolese Holocaust. I know from human history that good will always trump evil, and “Congolese blood coltan or oil” mafia can’t win against justice and humanity.

muanacongo

Anonymous said...

Sorry, i meant hurdle not huddle.

muanacongo

Anonymous said...

@muanacongo
are you talking for all Congolese or are you wishing the your dream will come true?

Anonymous said...

Jason stearns, you're such a hate campaigner, not much different from those Nazi sympathisers found in Europe!!!

Anonymous said...

@ ano July 18,2012 4:59 pm
Kagame (African Hitler) must deliver BOSCO Ntaganda ,NKUNDA,MAKENGA and all those wanted war criminals that he is harboring in Rwanda to the ICC . to face justice for war crimes and crimes against humanity .

Anonymous said...

@mwanacongo
Welcome back bros,we missed you. Don't let the enemies pull you down with their atacks on you. We need more smart patriots like you to counter Kagamist propaganda .

Anonymous said...

Congolese are funny and bizarre. Being cry babies wont help you! fix your country. First understand that you are corrupt and disorganised. Compare Gomba and Gisenyi you will realise how useless you are.
Kagame has built his country, built an army that deters the enemies of the state. A whole Congolese batallion runs away on hearing that a RDF section is planning to attack. The economy is booming, the country works, visitors, refugees and residents are treated with dignity no xenophibia. Congolese stop sittin there blaming Kagame for your mess, if you want to blame anybody look in the mirror.
Mimi Kabingi mwana Kabonzi musema ukweli mutupu

Anonymous said...

Last post: yes yes, you only very conveniently forgot to mention how he managed to fund such impressive growth... Could it be by destabilizing Eastern DRC, and profiting from its meniral ressources? Naaaah, come on, what am I thinking? Has this cause more than 6 million deaths? Ah rubbish, at least there is growth in Rwanda for one million Tutsis!

Anonymous said...

Last comment above: You are insinuating that he looted your minerals to fund his growth.... lol. Why cant you use your resources to fund your growth? An invader, looter benefits more than somebody sitting on those resources. Kagame did not loot anything, growth is funded by fair trade, tourism and good management. White people with technology to dig up minerals are the real beneficiries nobody else, including Congolese!
Five million were killed by lack of medicare, malnutrition and the system that does not work. Few Kagame soldiers could not kill people from Kivu to Bas Congo, to Mbandaka, etc. Cry babies stop it

Anonymous said...

Dear Mister Stearns, i'm sorry to read that you are called a hate campaigner where as you intent to open up debate and open up your blog to others without screening first the reactions, unlike bbc etc. so, it says enough about the person writing this and who can't handle free debate, absence of censorship and agreeing to disagree without killing or imprisoning the other one (like dictator kagame does with Misses Ingabire.
It is again "talk and fight" time with kagame and co, before we know they are at the door of kisangani, cfr their presence in walikale allready. it is again dancing in the glory of monster all over again.

Anonymous said...

I was in GISENYI 8 month ago ,gisenyi is just a small village with only one 1 lane raod that was built by JUVENAL HABYARIMANA back in the 1970s but not Kagame. Can you Compare KIGALI to KINSHASA, BUTARE to LUBUMBASHI ,KYANGUGU to BUKAVU ?. Comparing Rwanda to the DRC is like Compairing Belgium to RUSSIA. Rwanda is a small impoverished peace of hills and mountains that is not and will never be developed. I know Rwanda from A to Z and the DRC from A to Z and never Rwanda will be what KAGAME wants you to believe. You don't even have land to build an airport. More than 60% of Rwandas budget comes from handouts from institutions like the world Bank and the rest comes from looted numerals from north Kivu .99% of Rwandans are unemployed and they live on les than 1 dollar a day .more than 80% of Rwandans live in mud huts with no running water or electricity....Rwanda has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the word ...Rwanda is one of the handful of ruthless dictatorship in Africa and unlike in the DRC where there is more than a dozen opposition run TV stations and news medias ,in Rwanda there is only one government run TV station,and one government run news paper .there is no freedom of assembly and people get beheaded just for trying to criticize the ruling parti or dictator PAUL KAGAME. I have so much to say but I do not have the time. Rwanda is a impoverished dictatorship run by war criminals .Rwanda is a ticking bomb that sooner or later will explode.but the DRC is a sleeping geant that is slowly waking up.

Anonymous said...

I always ask myself, if Rwanda is better than Congo why are so many Rwandan in Goma. some of them are working there others are studying, some of them are even the for medical care. If Rwanda was that great and Congo was the worst place to then all the Rwandan must go back to their country. Beleive a lot of Congolese will love that. Rwanda the singapore of Africa please who are you kidding. Does Kigali even have a highway

Anonymous said...

PAUL KAGAME aka African Hitler 's days are numbered. Like His friend Charles Taylor ,he will one day face justice for the war crimes and crimes against humanity that he has perpetrated on the people of Eastern DRC.

Anonymous said...

If you Take all the buildings ,, ...out of Kinshasa and move them to KIGALI ,then KIGALI will look like Singapore ,there is nothing in Rwanda like boulevard du 30 juin,lumumba....PALAIS DU PEUPLE it self is biger than the intire down town KIGALI. The reason why they think that their country is developed is because the only tv Chanel that they have ,is owned and controlled by their dictator and they are only allowed to watch his propaganda.

congo man said...

I don't think the Rwandese are stupid just because they can't stand up to a dictator or they believe everything that they see on his propaganda Chanel . I think one day they are going to rise up like EGYPTIANS, TUNISIANS,LIBYANS, SOUDANESE,....and confront their dictator. I think Rwandan spring is nocking at the door .

Anonymous said...

I was also thinking the same.Kagame is clever though he has manage to fool people about statement the Rwanda is the Singapore of Africa. while 80% of it citizens are living in poverty

blaise said...

The development in the Kivus are getting weirder every day.Some1 said Rai was dislodged from Walikale.Another 1 allege that in fact they were merely asking for a safe passage.What's going on exactly?
http://www.lecongolais.cd/les-miliciens-raia-mutomboki-conservent-le-controle-de-walikale-dans-le-nord-kivu/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=les-miliciens-raia-mutomboki-conservent-le-controle-de-walikale-dans-le-nord-kivu

In any case, someone should let's our commanders in general and colonel Ngeleka in particular that announcing military offensives is not smart.War is based on deception.
whatever the end game is,it's seems obvious to me that in order to win the peace in Kivu, the government had to dramatically review it's strategies.I think a more subtle approach to the military aspect of the conflict should turn the tie here.Money seems to be the common denominator here.I wonder what will happen if some incentives are offer 2 those militia men.Will they still fight?
Here some old images of Rumangabo in order to assess by yourselves how far off the government(in my opinion) is :
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/07/201279174550855264.html

blaise said...

sorry for the typos, I'm sleepy.

congo man said...

I just can't comprehend why did they bring so much heavy emobile weapons in such a terrain .yes they need the track mounted rocket lunchers are good ,but i hate those emobile canons that they have been using.in places like bunagana ,thanks and helicopters would have given the rebels a hard time.I looks like MONUSCO only uses their thanks for photo ops ,and KABILA uses his for military parades.

Anonymous said...

I was told that Jason Stearns obsession in demonising Rwanda or Tutsi is inspired by his Friends in DRC, the FDLR, Mai-Mai!!! The style of hate campaigning by Jason Stearns (the 'so trusted UN Expert' who keeps leaking UN Reports) is like campaigning that all caucasian whites be hunted down in America (the Land that was taken from the Indians) and hunt down White minority of South Africa/Namibia/Zimbabwe, or kick out Arabs who enslaved/genocided Black Africa (North of Africa, from Sudan to Egypt), this is your style,Jason Stearns, and you know very well that your writings are inciting hatred and violence against some communities in DRC, SHAME ON YOU,MR FORMER UN OFFICIAL ('INDEPENDENT' UN ADVISER)!You're nothing but an agent of the same powers that labelled Tutsi as 'foreigners,invaders from Abyssinia,Egypt', you will gain nothing but shame by setting communities against others!!!!

Anonymous said...

only Patrice Lumumba was a true Patriot and Panafrican!!!as for the others,the Tschombwe, the Mobutus are all idiots puppets to the dictate of those who seek to control DRC's huge resources!!!Jason Stearns isn't much interested about human rights, if he was, he would be campaigning for the reparation of all Black Americans who were enslaved by Caucasian slave masters, if he cared about human rights, he would be campaigning about the rights of minority Black Americans in the US, Jason Stearns is merely an agent for hate propaganda, an extreme calculated liar seeking to demonise a community and setting other tribes against that community, Jason Stearns' mindset thinks "create a problem,create reaction and then see destruction, then, be the problem solver at the end", Jason is passionately looking to create a problem which will be solved by the powers who sent him in DRC!!!!

Anonymous said...

No Rwandophone wants to go back to Rwanda because there is nothing there. That's the reason why they are begging to come back to Congo despite the war. If Kagame's propaganda was reality and Rwanda was a little Singapore ,no Tutis will still be living in the Kivus ,and all those Rwandophone Refugees wouldn't be begging to come back to Congo and not only Rwandophones but the entire Kivus would have been migrating to Rwanda. The Congolese and nigerians are the most travelers in Africa,there is a Congolese or a nigerian in every corner of this planet. But the reason why more Rwandans wants to live in Congo and only a handful of Congolese are in Rwanda,is because Rwanda is a small impoverished Country with nothing to offer .

Anonymous said...

Jason Stearns,you're a skilled colonialist, and surely a skilled hate campaigner, no shame!!!

blaise said...

@ Congoman,
how about those anti aircraft guns that the Fardc left at Rumangabo?What for?M23 doesn't have planes.
I think Collette braeckman idea of surveillance drones is better :images don't lie.
Apparently gnrl Bahuma is an upgrade from gnrl Mayala.It's a shame that the army doesn't use ingeniousness to make soldiers' life more comfortable.I see an untapped military industry here.a little organization:system ya fourmis.

Anonymous said...

Hello, could you contact me on judith.soal@guardian.co.uk to discuss a possible partnership with the Guardian? thanks, Judith

Anonymous said...

Congolese live in utopian world: Myths:
1. Rwanda is tiny, Congo is a giant. yes because King Leopold chose that the African central Africa is divided unproportinally.
2. Rwanda is impoverished Congo is rich. Illusion, Congolese are just eluding themselves, Rwandans live in dignity and are not poor despite lack of resources thanks to unfair colonialists
3.

Anonymous said...

@Jason

Sir, plz never mind those who are used to freebies from the world. They have no concept of diversity of humans and difference of opinion. That is unheard of in Kigali town.

We can't thank you enough as you have graciously given all of us (Congolese and anti-Congo propagandists alike) a platform to put forth our opinions. We Congolese won't insult you or call you names whenever you write anything uncomplementary to us, and there are many. we will instead provide counter-arguments. At least the world can see just what Congolese have to contend with!

Never mind and plz take care!

muanacongo

Anonymous said...

views of congolese spewing out propaganda venom and insults and xenophobic frustrations as so much that some guys are blaming moderator for letting it go. if Jews were abused like this on site, its owner would no allow it. But standards are different for africans and the rest.
Now Muanacongo, etc, dont patronise Jason... just continue using his blog to insult.

Anonymous said...

Puting a new military force to patrol the said area rwanda-DRC border won't resolve the issue because it won't control all the territories of Kivu. The issue to look for the well being of the kivutian in terms of democtary, economical development, unity,... And you don't get this by killing your own population. If rebels are fighting for the respect of a deal signed sometimes back , can't the government accept to save the life of its people and engage talks? The issue is not M23, because if neutralised though I am not seeing it for their fight is HOLLY, other armed groups will pursue until peace and stability are restored.

Anonymous said...

Commonsense is telling Congolese that M23, is just a collective of criminals.

For god-sake, you hear..whispers among Congolese Tutsi hostages from Bunagana,Kinyamahura,Nyaluhonda,Mongo,Tshengere,Kalengere and Rutshuru.

"WHY Does Boscco and Kagame Love sacrificing Tutsi Blood"?????

Please M23 Cadres go and tell your Paturo(Boss) that, we don't like you!!!
LEAVE US ALONE!!!

Rutshuru/London

Anonymous said...

LUIS MUSHIKIWABO aka liar in chief and PAUL KAGAME aka AFRICAN HITLER are now trying to intimidate any Blogger or news person who does not accept to be bribed by their blood money .they are now threatening all independent news medias that refuses to join the KAGAME's propaganda machine.anyone who advocate for peace in the Great lakes is becoming their target.

Anonymous said...

ano just above...
so you want one-sided insults and xenophibia to dominate and nothing countering it? hahahaha Actually most people writing on this blog are not based in Congo. Muanacongo, baise, etc, etc, are part of that congolese population they say around the world, where in ratio of two nigerians and one congolese. There are in Europe washing dishes, working in old people's homes, toiling to get money to buy hot-dogs. After a day of a hard, frustrating work, they come back home, sit on computer to loosen their frustrations on Kagame. Go hang, blame employers who are mistreating you, not Kagame.

Anonymous said...

There are people on this forum who want to debase Rwanda, saying it is tiny, impoverished, bbla bla, that one street in Kinshasa is bigger than Kigali, Bukavu is what what.
Know this: One Congolese woman came to Kigali and said: "Why didnt Rwandan forces stay longer in Congo to teach us cleanness, discipline and order?"

History also is there to show how Rwanda has been ahead of Congo. When Ngongo Luteta was busy selling you to TipTip, Rwandan kings were conquering neighbouring states to expand their dominion.
When colonialists came, they treated Rwandans as partners in governance because they found proper functing state, which actually they left intact at Berlin Conference to serve as a model for the rest disorderly tribal groupings.
Congolese eat monkeys, Rwandans not.
History of human civilisation shows that Rwanda has always been dignified.
Tiny Rwanda as it may be helped yu get rid of Mobutu now you are paying back withxenophibia.

Anonymous said...

When RDF routed combined forces of FARDC, Zimbabwe and Hutu militia in battles of Pepa and Pweto
By Washington Times

The battle began at Pepa, Rwandans had held the town since March 1999,
The Interahamwe and Congolese infantry brigades also advanced, reinforced by armored personnel carriers and British-made Hawker combat aircraft, both from Zimbabwe.
"They were coming in big numbers, really very big numbers," said Lt. Col. John Tibesigwa, the Rwandan commander at Pepa.
The Rwandan counterattack began on Nov. 5 and raged for four days. Tibesigwa described the fighting as the most intense he had seen in Congo.
Kabila's retreating forces, by contrast, were tethered to the road. Their armored vehicles required the Congolese alliance to move predictably, confined to a tree-lined track.
When open range gave way to elephant grass, the Rwandans attacked.
What ensued, according to Rwandan and Congolese soldiers alike, was a three-week running battle across the 100 miles between Pepa and Pweto. Weeks later, the road south toward Pweto remained speckled not only with green and white butterflies, but with corpses -- here the body of young man cut down clutching an AK-47, here a splayed green poncho topped by a skull.
But veterans of the battle said most of the fighting took place in the surrounding woods. The Congolese and their allies sought the high ground above the road. The Rwandans and RCD rebels moved through the woods behind them and caught them in crossfires.
"The Rwandans are very strong; they do flanking actions," said a Congolese soldier, Selester Mbanza, 30, from a hospital bed in Nchelenge, Zambia, where he was being treated for a bullet wound in the buttocks.
By Dec. 1, the Rwandan forces had Pweto nearly in sight, approaching the lakeside plain around the town of perhaps 50,000 on an abandoned road along an encircling ridge. By the evening of Dec. 3,
The Mi-17 helicopter that had carried Joseph Kabila to Pweto was burned on the soccer field that doubled as a landing pad, apparently too unreliable to use but too valuable to leave to the Rwandans. The president's son escaped by water, taking a ferry named the Alliance with senior Zimbabwean commanders and Burundian Hutus to the far side of the Luvua River.
When the boat returned, a 40-ton, Soviet-made T-62 tank was loaded onto the port side. Dozens of soldiers scrambled to starboard. "It was imbalanced," said Mulisa, "and the ferry got drowned."
With the Rwandans' gunfire audible across town, the stranded troops splashed diesel fuel onto the line of 33 waiting vehicles and set them afire. Then they split up, some setting off along the riverbank deeper into Congo, others joining the throng of refugees fording the small stream that marks the Zambian border.
On the other side, Zambian soldiers collected arms and counted heads. At least 3,000 Congolese regulars were assembled in primary schools about 75 miles south of the border in Nchelenge, where last week they were still waiting for a lift back to Congo.
Zimbabwe sent a plane for several hundred of its troops, a return load lightened considerably by the sheer tonnage of armor left behind in Pweto. Two howitzers, two T-62 tanks and at least a half-dozen armored personnel carriers were left intact for the Rwandans, as well as three ammunition dumps and a weapons cache with 1,000 rifles.
The total does not include a tank submerged about 200 yards upstream from the ferry, its turret just visible in the middle of the river, which its desperate driver thought was shallow enough to ford

Anonymous said...

@July 19 , 2012 11:22M
If that the case why are so many rwandans in Con go. for ages rwandan have been flocking to congo. that is why we have all these congolese tutsi. if rwanda is so great then they entire population of tutsi in congo must go back to Rwanda. to the land of their ancesters.

Anonymous said...

Ano above
you talk like a fool. There is no country called Congo! What you see today is a huge country made up of tribes scrapped togther by colonialists! The eastern congo in the past was called Bushi, Mulenge, Masisi, etc. and the Rwandan King ruled over huge parts of eastern Congo. So, Tutsis in Congo are occupyong their accentral homes, only that Berlin Conference put them togther under one nationality as other tribes such as Hunde, Bashi, etc. And almost 90% of people in Kivus are Rwandaphone. Even Bashi speak Kinyarwanda.... colonial borders

Anonymous said...

Battle of Kitona: why RDF is feared by FADC
a retired marine, Comer Plummer, says this was campaign worthy of study. This was an operation that exemplified audacity and courage, and its aftermath became an odyssey fit for a Hollywood script.
How did it go?
The fight for Kinshasa began in the early morning hours of August 26, 1998. It lasted for three days. The Rwandans surrounded the city and infiltrated key areas, probing for weaknesses. Their attacks were concentrated against the Kasangulu township at western approach to Kinshasa and N'djili airport in the east. These efforts failed, largely due to the stout resistance of Zimbabwean troops.
The Rwandans and their allies pulled back into the hills, where they regrouped and took stock of their plight. They were dangerously short of supplies, their line of retreat was cut, and they were more than a thousand kilometers inside hostile country. FADC and Angolan troops were converging on them from east and west. One by one, they recaptured Muanda, Boma, Inga, Buama, and Matadi. The contingent had only one choice - exfiltration. But from where? The nearest airfield was north, across the Congo River in Congo-Brazzaville. This was not a viable option, given the lack of barges and that country's alignment with Angola. Looking over a map, Kabarebe spotted a small regional airport across the Angolan border at Maquela do Zombo.
The Rwandans hastened a reconnaissance team to Maquela do Zombo to determine the suitability of the airport. The team returned a week later, haggard and parched by the height of the African summer. The news was not good: The airport was occupied by 400 Angolan troops. Undeterred, the Rwandans began to plan for an attack on the airport.

In mid-September 1998, Colonel Kabarebe was ready to make his move. Leaving behind the sick and wounded, he took the contingent across the border and marched on Maquela do Zombo. Arriving several days later, they launched a night attack that surprised and routed the defenders. Over the following days, Kabarebe had the sick and wounded brought to the new camp, while his forces prepared defenses around the airport. Inspecting their prize, they found that the runway would need improvements. They would need to extend the length of the runway from 1,400 to 1,800 meters to allow for larger cargo planes to land. Runway lights would be required for a night time evacuation. Kabarebe realized he would need time. He pushed forward their defenses and blocked the only access road 100 kilometers from town.
For nearly two months the contingent held the airport against encroaching Angolan forces. They repelled several Angolan attacks, including one spearheaded by 26 armored vehicles. Small supply flights arrived from Rwanda, bringing the tools and generators that enabled them to add extend the runway and add lights. With the runway ready, aircraft began arriving to evacuate the contingent to Kigali. Over the next few days, the Rwandans made more than 30 flights out of Maquela do Zombo. Kabarebe later remarked, "As we emptied the airport, we fell back from the perimeters. On the last day, our defenses were just a few kilometers from the airport." On the final night of the operation, the Rwandan rear guard and the commanders made a dash for the last plane as the Angolans closed in.
By Christmas Day, 1998, the last elements of the contingent returned home.

congo man said...

@ all
This late night insults are originating from LOUISE MUSHIKIWABO's office ,and they are trying to sabotage not only this blog , but many more medias that are not part of their propaganda machine. I am asking all Congolese not to respond to this guy anymore,their aim is to change the subject and trush any serious debate . Please I urge all my Congolese brothers to not respond or engage in any debate with this people. They are trying to sabotage Congo siasa .

Skorzenyalso said...

@July 20, 2012 12:27 AM
The real nature of the Rwandan regime is an Hitlerian one.

Because you seem to admire that kind of persons, I think you should love SS Colonel Otto Skorzeny.

Nazi colonel Skorzeny was dubbed "The most dangerous man in Europe".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZsNbG7fK4M

Anonymous said...

WOW! Some comments above are getting out of control (you are this ..., we are that ...). This is really childish, plz take a break fellow congolese/rwandese. DR Congo is too big and should accommodating everyone (swahili, mbunza, mongo, tetela, zande, luba, kongo, hema, nyamulenge, hutu, mbororo, soudanese, bembe, mbala, tutsi, teke, indo-pakistani, lebanese, jews, westaf, ...) found inside its borders. What we are just asking is JUSTICE and PEACE, period! Yes we can live together, we should be living together. But JUSTICE first, then PEACE!

Anonymous said...

Now Raymond Tshibanda is calling for the new "neutral" force to be brought in under MONUSCO, with a revised UNSC mandate. This makes a little more sense, in that the ICGLR agreement in any case left open the huge question of how the proposed force is supposed to interface with MONUSCO. But, coming as a statement from Kinshasa, the proposal begs the question of how Rwanda would see things. Expanding the UN mandate would have been the obvious starting point in AA, and there are surely reasons why this was bypassed -- Rwandan hostility, no doubt, but possibly reluctance also from DPKO and the P5.

In any case, the idea of a "neutral" force to go in and shoot up M23 and FDLR (and perhaps some Mayimayi while they're at it?) is an obvious non-starter. Aside from money, who contributes the troops? The force has to be African. It will take casualties, if it actually does what it is supposed to do. No ICGLR country is plausible, even Tanzania (too involved). Only Egypt (what's it doing in ICGLR, anyway?) and Angola have the capacity, and there are obvious political impediments to Angola (Rwandan antagonist and with a longstanding reluctance to get drawn into eastern DRC matters), whereas Egypt is (a) otherwise preoccupied and (b) already a MONUSCO troop contributor. No other current MONUSCO contributor would want to participate, as it would expose their contingents to retaliation. Other usual suspects are also implausible: Ethiopia, for example, already extended in Somalia and in Abyei and facing a possible succession crisis? Nigeria, otherwise preoccupied both at home and in its immediate neighborhood? You go on down the list, and there are simply no plausible sources. Ntumba Luaba has embarked on a trip to ICGRL capitals in search of practical support. I doubt he'll come back with anything usable.

In any case, as the ever-ongoing LRA operation demonstrates (think Uruguayans), this kind of internationalized militarized campaign can never be quick, clean or easy. Covert external support to both "negative forces" will not simply vanish. Both are battle-hardened and deeply familiar with their terrain. What country would want to send its troops into such a morass?

The whole ICGLR initiative is hopelessly flawed -- an obvious, cynical ploy for kicking the can down the road and ensuring that the eternal stalemate continues and that Kivu remains destabilized and ungovernable. Which suits a lot of interests just fine.

congo man said...

@Blaise
I think using surveillance drones will be very important ,but in such a forested erea they may not be very affective .but they will be important for collecting evidences that in the future can be used against RWANDAN officials who are still denying their involvement in aiding and supporting the m23 and all the terrorists groups in that region .
Who is that BAHUMA guy? I hope he is not a Rwdphone ,but that name sounds like it. It looks like Amisi Tangofour and co are stil pulling the shots .I was very disgusted when I read about that Rumangabo inti aircraft story.

blaise said...

@ ano JULY 20, 2012 12:27 AM,
Not trying to be narcissist here but I don't recall any insults addressed to anybody or country(except for one).I must feel a little flattered that I catch your attention I guess.
Beside your funny cheap shots{only the truth can wound, so far I'm not bleeding, ;)},the story u were referring to was fascinating.I found the original article here :
http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/20thcentury/articles/kitona.aspx#
Out of context, a text it's a pretext.
A lot of details were left out or neglected in mister Comer Plummer narrative.

- the Faz collapse was not only due to lack of fund but treason and sabotage
- there was an understanding between gnrl Mahele and the AFDL that the Faz will not fight back.Only the DSP was really putting a fight
- The Faz were dismantle by pres Laurent Kabila, officers were sent to Kitona not to be "reeducate" but to die a slow death
- James K was the overall commander of the Fac hence he knew exactly the weaknesses of his adversary
Giving the context, when one say that Kitona was a daring operation, I wonder what they are talking about.If I'm not mistaken,the commander of the base was one of James K's boys.Beside, the Faz in there were so humiliated that they felt betrayed by LDK(they have to dig their own graves). It's natural, with incentive, for them to give back to Kabila.
In Bas Congo, there was no much defenses,The police had to do army work in Kasangulu.
For kinshasa, another misinterpretation: the Zimbabweens were holed up at the airport.Angolan air forces were bombing the RDF positions. I witness myself the bombing and I saw a platoon of Angolan retreating right at my backyard in Ndjili.
More interesting, Maquela do Zombo was held up by the Unita at the time of that daring mission. It was their hidde out. So the Angolese they pushed back were probably rebels themselves.
http://reliefweb.int/report/angola/angola-government-aims-reassert-administrative-control
And guess who was stalling the Angolans authorities?Suzan Rice.Can you believe that?
Believe it or not,if it was the MPLA, the RDF will have been decimate by then.Beside, what were they suppose to do behind enemy lines?fight to death.
In retrospective, I believe the operation was poorly planed.That was a kamikaze mission.They underestimate the Angolans resolve and the angers of ppl deprived off electricity for weeks.
Put back into context, you may understand that Pweto was predictable: one side an army who have been fighting for years, opposed to a patchwork of new recruits and foreign troops,unfamiliar with the terrain.add to that a young commander trained briefly in China.
It clear to me that the RDF had to be kept in constant state of war in order for you guys to enjoy your development. I don't know how sustainable this model will be.
Based on the current changes in your army, it's easily predictable that the chapter is not close yet.
It's natural for a Rwandan to love his country.The same is true for a Congolese.All we want is to be left in peace sorting out our mess.I didn't know that James K was born in the Rutshuru region.That may explain why some of RDF are so attach to our land.
It was good sport, next time if you may sign your name it will be greatly appreciate.Being anonymous doesn't tell much about your patriotism.

Anonymous said...

This was reported by CNN in 2008.

Spanish judge indicts 40 Rwandan military officers for genocide.

"The judge issued international arrest warrants against the 40, including Gen. James Kabarebe"

"The indictments against the 40 are for "crimes of genocide, human rights abuses and terrorism," during the 1990s in Rwanda"

"The judge did not indict Rwanda's president, Paul Kagame, because he has immunity as head of state, the documents said. But the judge also found evidence of criminal activity by Kagame, based on the testimony of an informant who told the judge he previously worked on Kagame's security detail, the documents said."

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/02/06/spain.indictments.rwanda/

Rich said...

Blaise -

Well said, the story about the battle of kitona I read above is simply not accurate. As you cleverly put it, many facts are wrong on more than one level, starting from MPLA holding Makela to saying RDF surrounded Kinshasa.

One more detail I wanted to add is the rwanda 'great soldiers' being intercepted & disarmed by unarmed Congolese civilians, sorry for those who got torched by mobs but a good army wouldn't allow its troops to be intercepted, disarmed & humiliated by unarmed civilians. It just shows you that when you push your arrogance too far, you are more likely to fall too deep.

Anon JULY 20, 2012 2:26 AM -

Yes Raymond Tshibanda & Mende press conference was quite intriguing.

1. It led me to think despite the recent drop in tension between Kin & Kig, Kinshasa seems not ready to release the pressure on kig. I may be wrong by to me they sounded more cautious & did not seem to take things for granted & tried to keep kig on the back foot.

2. You are right by pointing to the fact that Kin seems to want the new 'neutral' force to be a kind of sub-force to the MONUSCO and that only MONUC mandate would need to be adapted (Ntumba Lwaba seems to be on a mission to try and get a consensus on that) hence solving the huge problem of logistic and perhaps the relationship with MONUSCO.

3. What I couldn't understand is when they said, FARDC or RDF will not be part of that force. But what will be the relationship between these countries and that force when we know for instance that rwanda has sometimes refused MONUSCO to pass through its soil for DRC missions? In the same way, I don't know who will have priority when for instance FARDC is in a position to struck M23 will they wait for the neutral force, collaborate with them, join efforts before they take on their enemy? The same apply to rwanda.

I'm expecting kigali to be uncomfortable with the twist Kinshasa seems to be applying to the idea of putting in place this force. However, due to the mounting pressure on kigali, it will be interesting to see the tone of their language and their message when they decide to talk again on this issue (now they seem very busy enjoying Bill & Chelsea Clinton's visit).

Rich

blaise said...

@ Congoman,
That's true but remember that moving heavy weapons and a battalion is not something one can hide easily.If you check what she had to say, you will realize that it's feasible,specially around hills.
http://blog.lesoir.be/colette-braeckman/
General Lucien Bahuma Ambamba is an ex faz,from the EFO/kanaga,ex Mlc, he was chief of the DRC Army's national HIV/AIDS program.He was stationed in Runangambo under Mobutu,a back while.
So far he seems to be ready to listen to soldiers' pleas.Let's hope he will be more difficult to undermine.It's biggest challenge should be Kinshasa logistical support.
http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/un-chief-worried-about-rwandan-support-congo-rebels

Like i point out before, the problem in the army is in the chain of command and the soldiers themselves.
General Mayala is a courageous soldier but he doesn't have the qualification required.That what I was trying to point out to Rich in our exchange about Mbuza Mabe in Minova.(I was referring to Bukavu).Anyway,he should have be left in the Kivu,to fight.
As for the soldiers,the conditions are not good.If you look at footage of WW2, he will realize that the americans weren't just fighting but the high command was actually anticipating soldiers' problems.There is a lot to learn from there.
In our case, I think a little ingeniousness can dramatically improve the condition.(like building camps in the front(from bamboos for ex),supply of foods,water,mobile hospital,etc).It's not a money problem.We just need to apply low tech solutions.
A side note, gnrl Bahuma's tribal's allegiance should not be relevant but since there is suspicions everywhere it is important.(he is from the northern province I think,not from the Kivus).
Beside, if you look at it in the ex cndp prospective, they are between a rock and a hard place.Those who didn't join the M23 are treated like enemy by their keens and possible traitors by the rest of the army.I strongly believe that with a little psychology, the government could win a lot of them back.Some are deserting because of fear.
I may sound unpatriotic in my critics of the government but it's far from my thoughts. I just believe we are focussing too much in Rwanda and not doing much ourselves to defend our people.That why i get frustrated.

Anonymous said...

More on the Kitona operation.

From Le Congo-Zaïre d'une guerre à l'autre de Libération en Occupation ...
By Vincent Mbavu Muhindo, on page 108:


Les soldats et gradés des ex-FAZ en "rééducation" à Kitona sont libérés et la plupart ayant des comptes à régler avec les kabilistes vont accepter de s'aligner sur la Rébellion. Certains mieux avisés, arguant de l'état de malnutrition évident où le régime les a laissés croupir, refuseront de combattre. Au même moment, deux navires de marine de guerre US mouillent au large du port de Banana pour assurer le "monitoring" de l'opération... Tandis qu'un pont aérien s'est mis en place entre Goma et Kitona - le grand écart d'Est en Ouest! - avec pour objectif la prise des villes du Bas-Congo et la chute rapide de Kinshasa...

blaise said...

@ Rich,
ty man.
From what was coming out Addis, it seems that Rwanda wasn't for this military ops in the first place. I bet the term "neutral" will take a new meaning soon. I'm more intrigued by the change in Rwanda military and the allege split between the new generation and the old guard.I won't be surprised that the latter makes some crazy moves. Rwandan's parliament was discussing the creation of yet another civilian's defense force. maybe our Rwandan's friend can give us some insight.

Anonymous said...

@ Ano. July 20, 2012 2:26 AM

Interesting analysis that you give there. I agree with you that these diplomatic shenanigans (CIPGL) are bound to drag on for ages while the unbearable suffering of populations on the ground will go on.
My humble view is that MONUSCO should be used to secure the DRC-Rwanda border. They should even be positioned on the DRC side to appease Kigali. This is a cheap, immediately actionable and unobjectionable:

(1) This complies perfectly with the current declared MONUSCO mandate of “protecting civilians”. Because what better way to protect civilians than to stand in the way of their butchers by preventing FDLR to cross to Rwanda and M23 to cross to DRC?
(2) This can’t be objected by Kigali either. Because His Excellency President Kagame and Madam L. Mushikwabo have always treated MONUSCO as lake-Kivu-beach-bummers. Thus this a perfect opportunity for MONUSCO to prove people wrong, and do something concrete and actually protect civilians.

So let the 20000 MONUSCO troops stand along the DRC-Rwanda border, and let Congolese sort out themselves their mess.

By the way, how much would it cost to build a Security Wall “a la Israel” between DRC and Rwanda? How long will it take and how practical would it be? How about a border of powerful land mines?

muanacongo

Anonymous said...

About the Kitona operation.

More info on the conditions under which Rwandan and Ugandan troops were allowed to leave Bas Congo, in exchange of not destroying the INGA dam.

This was published in 2003.

Et ce crime inqualifiable nous apportera une nouvelle preuve de l'implication des Etats-Unis dans cette guerre d'agression... En effet, fin aoűt, une dépęche de Reuters tombe comme une véritable bombe. « Une unité d'élite ougandaise a occupé le barrage d'Inga. Elle faisait partie d'une force d'assaut contre Kinshasa. L'ambassadeur américain ŕ Harare, Thomas McDonald et le fils du Président ougandais Museveni, tentent depuis plusieurs jours d'obtenir un sauf-conduit pour que cette unité puisse sortir du Congo. » A Kinshasa, une quarantaine de prisonniers ougandais et rwandais sont présentés ŕ la presse.

Les Ougandais appartiennent ŕ la « Force Nguruma », une formation d'élite qui a occupé Inga. Elle a été formée par des instructeurs américains, d'oů l'intéręt particulier des Etats-Unis ŕ «sauver » leurs protégés. L'ambassadeur américain ŕ Harare mčne des négociations avec les Affaires étrangčres et la Défense du Zimbabwe pour que les troupes zimbabwéennes et angolaises qui encerclent les agresseurs ŕ Inga, les laissent partir. Le Secrétaire d'Etat Albright charge les diplomates américains de chercher une issue «honorable » pour les troupes rwandaise et ougandaise encerclées dans le Bas-Congo. Qui peut croire que les plus hautes instances des Etats-Unis s'engagent dans une négociation aussi délicate, si ces pauvres assaillants, qui officiellement «ne sont pas au Congo », n'agissent pas sur instruction des Etats-Unis ? Un ambassadeur américain se démčne, sur ordre du numéro trois de la politique américaine, pour sauver des soldats rwandais et ougandais «égarés » par erreur ŕ 2.000 kilomčtres de leurs frontičres. Que le numéro trois de la superpuissance américaine se «mouille » pour sauver des criminels de guerre, prouve indiscutablement que cette affaire est d'origine américaine...

En occupant Inga et en coupant l'électricité et l'eau de Kinshasa, les agresseurs ont commis un crime de guerre. Ed Marek écrit : « Les Etats-Unis ont peut-ętre été complices de cet acte de guerre dirigé contre le peuple congolais. Cela change toute la couleur politique de cette guerre ». Effectivement, les preuves s'accumulent que cette guerre a les couleurs du drapeau américain...

http://www.digitalcongo.net/article/12499

Anonymous said...

I still think that, demobilisation would work well if Police/policing was developed and used as an institution to retrain/rehabilitate ex-militia...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOgyVmVNtaI&list=UU0R6XjtprIvftMj8Vnyy2Lw&index=2&feature=plcp

Of-course, the money/wages has to be addressed as is whispered among all walks of Congolese.
We need all the detox we can get to rehabilitate our brothers and sisters.

Rutshuru/London

congo man said...

@blaise
Yes i know the drones can be affective ,but I don't know how affective ,because NATO has been using them on the PAKISTAN and AFGANISTAN boaders for a long time ,but the Talibans continue to get all their supplies through that boader and PAKISTAN has always been in denial about their involvement with the Taliban.
I am Glad BAHUMA is not an RCD or CNDP,that's a little morale busting for the troupes .the soldiers need Commanders that they can trust .
I think you are too modarate with the former CNDP , I don't trust any of them 99% of them are spys and they have to be taken away from that region to Kitona etc...
I also think the FARDC needs leave the RAIA MOTOMBOKI alone and if possible work with them like Mbuja MABE dit in Bukavu against NKUNDA and Mutebusi.

congo man said...

@Mwanacongo
Lol,I don't think we need a fence around that boader,the problem is PAUL KAGAME , we need to continue building our army and at the same time find ways to contain and keep his terrorists out of our land. but since he has proven to be the enemy of peace and stability ,as long as he stil around they will be terrorists attempting to destabilize the region . But i don't think his dictatorship will last long .building a fence will last longer than his now shaky dictatorship ,I believe he will be toppled very soon .

Anonymous said...

H.E Yoweri Museveni, regarded by the AU,the international community as a Man of Peace who brokered peace deals in the African Great Lakes...was proud to introduce his Child Soldiers:

http://youtu.be/upITVcXw_Gk

But no arrest warrant will ever be issued against him and his Colleagues for war crimes and human rights abuses he carried out in the past,present.

Anonymous said...

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni internationally backed by the West and the Arab World on BBC Hard talk:

http://youtu.be/0vWAdY0uZvA

He is very good at justifying himself to stay in power, while he portrays himself as a Leader who is available to mediate in other African conflicts,some have even accused him to be the one who assassinated South Sudanese Leader Dr John Garang, Museveni dreams to be the first King of an East African Federation.

Unknown said...

Hi ,this anonymous guy up here got it all right:"This IGLR thing is just wast of time and empty wish list.

There will be no military force that will track M23 or FDLR and from my sources Rwanda is decided to not leave M23. Even more troops and money are being channeled in the Kivu to make the situation unmangeable by DRc gov -wat is already the case.

In DRC, basically soldiers are not fighting any more. More and more officers are voicing their defiance against Kinshasa high military command.2 individuals are particularly targeted: gnl Amisi Tango 4 and kabila himself". Look the FARDC soldiers on the front line are not paid for the last 6 months, they don't have enough food and their families are with them in the vicinity of the front line and when ever there is a bullet shot the soldier is almost incline to run with his last born instead of taking the fake and useless AK47!

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