DRC – The leaders of the M23 have warned that if the DRC Government coalition forces, including FARDC, FDLR, mercenaries, militias, and the Burundi National Defence Forces persist in attacking civilians or M23 positions, the M23 will take necessary measures to protect civilians and defend themselves in a professional manner.
This warning follows a statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on December 11th, 2023, welcoming a 72-hour ceasefire to implement confidence-building measures aimed at protecting civilians and de-escalating tensions in eastern DRC. Watson emphasized the U.S. Government’s commitment to monitor armed forces and non-state armed groups during the ceasefire, supporting the resumption of the Nairobi and Luanda processes to address the root causes of the crisis.
Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 Movement Spokesperson, expressed the M23’s support for the ceasefire, aligning with their existing signed ceasefire of March 7th, 2023. Kanyuka reiterated the M23’s commitment to peacefully resolving the conflict by addressing its root causes. He called on the International Community to break its silence on the alleged ethnic cleansing by the DRC Government.
However, Burundian Seasoned journalist Athanase Karayenga accused the M23 of not respecting the dignity of prisoners of war and deceased Wazarundi fighters. He urged the M23 President to ensure proper treatment, burial, and communication for the prisoners of war. Karayenga highlighted the importance of families being able to pray at the gravesite or request repatriation of remains.
In response, M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa clarified that the bodies of enemy soldiers are collected and buried by the Red Cross. He explained the difficulty in distinguishing Burundian soldiers during battle due to the uniform worn by the coalition forces.
Bisimwa emphasized that the M23’s cause is unrelated to Burundi, attributing the conflict to individual leadership interests within the Burundian regime.
