Summary:

• M23 leaders warn the DRC coalition forces against attacking civilians, express support for a ceasefire, while facing accusations of mistreating prisoners of war, and clarify their conflict’s unrelated nature to Burundi.

The M23 leaders have issued a warning, cautioning the DRC Government coalition forces, which include FARDC, FDLR, mercenaries, militias, and the Burundi National Defence Forces. They assert that if these forces persist in attacking civilians or M23 positions, the M23 will take necessary measures to protect civilians and defend themselves professionally.

This warning comes in response to a statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on December 11th, 2023, welcoming a 72-hour ceasefire aimed at implementing confidence-building measures. The goal is to safeguard civilians and de-escalate tensions in eastern DRC. Watson underscored the U.S. Government’s commitment to monitor both armed forces and non-state armed groups during the ceasefire, supporting the resumption of the Nairobi and Luanda processes to address the crisis’s root causes.

Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 Movement Spokesperson, expressed support for the ceasefire, aligning it 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 speak out against the alleged ethnic cleansing by the DRC Government.

Nevertheless, Burundian Seasoned journalist Athanase Karayenga accused the M23 of disregarding 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 emphasized 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.

Written by The Source Reports