Forces To Go On  Offensive M23 In The East

By Badylon Kawanda Bakiman

Following bomb attacks a few days ago that left 18 people dead and around 30 wounded in a camp for displaced persons near Goma in the eastern province of Nord-Kivu, the forces of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC) will finally be carrying out offensive attacks against the M23. This will be done in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).

The news was delivered recently by Major General Monwabisi Dyakopu, Commander of SAMIDRC. He did not mince his words: "In accordance with SAMIDRC's mandate, in cooperation with the FARDC, the mission will carry out operations to neutralize negative forces and maintain peace and security, create a safe environment and protect civilians and their property in the event of imminent threats or attacks". 

According to him, these operations will also aim to reopen essential supply routes and guarantee the safety of civilians from intimidation, forced displacement and assassination: "The operations aim to open supply routes and ensure that civilians are safe from intimidation, displacement and assassination, so that communities can go about their daily lives without interference or threat," he added.

Many observers believe that this decision marks a crucial turning point in the conflict.