Agenzia Fides

Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - The M23 movement has summoned members of the police and FARDC (the Congolese army) still present in Goma at the stadium of the city, probably to recruit them in the administration which they are preparing to launch. This is referred to Fides Agency by local missionary sources. Following the conquest of Goma, capital of North Kivu, on behalf of the rebels of the M23, Congolese President Joseph Kabila has launched an appeal for national mobilization to reconquer the city.
But the local press, especially the newspaper "Le Potentiel", recalls that "the Democratic Republic of Congo which is in fact under embargo for arms purchased, cannot, under present circumstances, deal with the opponent’s power of fire. The Head of State confirmed that the M23 has weapons unknown to the arsenal of the Congolese regular army. "
Some UN reports accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23, with arms and men, and the Congolese authorities claim that soldiers of Rwanda took part in the fighting alongside the rebels. The tension between the two Countries has increased due to the Rwandan accusations of gun firing on behalf of the Congolese on the town of Gisenyi, (see Fides 20/11/2012).
Fides sources confirm that the M23 is well organized and is equipped with sophisticated communication systems to coordinate their actions. In the ranks of the movement there seem to also be mercenaries from other African Countries, other than Rwanda, such as Angola. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 21/11/2012)