M23 Rebels March on Kinshasa: Congo's Capital Under Threat from Eastern Insurgents

Congo: M23 Rebels' Threat to Overthrow Government Sparks Concerns KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo - The M23 rebels, who have occupied large parts of the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in eastern DR Congo, have threatened to overthrow the government of President Felix Tshisekedi. General Sultani Makenga, a senior military leader in M23 and its allied groups, announced at a graduation ceremony for new fighters that the rebels aim to topple what he called the "bad regime" in Kinshasa. According to sources close to the group, more than 7,000 new recruits have been stationed in the area, while nearly 9,000 others completed their training last week. The M23 rebels have occupied key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, leaving residents to endure hardships under their control. The threat comes just before a new round of talks in Qatar, where representatives from both sides are set to meet for negotiations. Kinshasa has reaffirmed its confidence in the strength of its national army, dismissing the rebels' claims as mere rhetoric. "This is not a serious threat," said government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya. "We have faith in our military and their ability to protect our country." However, analysts warn that the situation should not be taken lightly. "The M23 has shown itself capable of carrying out complex operations and has a strong presence on the ground," said Dr. Kofi Quashigah, a security expert at the University of Ghana. Background: The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by conflict for decades, with various rebel groups vying for power in the eastern regions. The M23, which emerged in 2012, has been accused of human rights abuses and war crimes. The international community has expressed concern over the situation, with the United Nations calling for restraint from all parties involved. "We urge all sides to refrain from any actions that could exacerbate the conflict," said a UN spokesperson. Current Status: The situation remains tense, with both sides maintaining their positions. Negotiations in Qatar are expected to begin soon, but it remains unclear whether they will yield any tangible results. Next Developments: The outcome of the talks and the rebels' next move will be closely watched by international observers. As tensions continue to rise, one thing is clear: the fate of the Democratic Republic of Congo hangs in the balance. *Reporting by Dw.*