Congo Demands East African Regional Force Exit by December 8

Congo's government spokesperson recently made a significant announcement, stating that the East African regional force must leave the country by December 8. This decision comes in light of what they describe as a "lack of satisfactory results on the ground." The agreement for this action was initially reached during a regional meeting.

Patrick Muyaya, addressing journalists on Monday night, emphasized the necessity for the East African Community (EAC) force to depart because they were unable to resolve a critical issue, specifically that concerning the M23 rebel group.

According to the government, the M23 rebel group has, despite the presence of the regional force, declined to withdraw from the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo, which is a direct violation of the Luanda agreement.

Since October 1, violent clashes have escalated between armed groups in the Masisi and Rutshuru territories, located in North Kivu province.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported statements from humanitarian agencies, revealing that a minimum of 20 civilians lost their lives, with over 30 others suffering injuries.

Congo's decision to order the East African regional force to leave by December 8 stems from their apparent inability to address the M23 rebel group issue.

As per Muyaya, "There will surely be a meeting of heads of state afterwards, which will have to rule on the inability of the regional force to resolve this issue, and measures will be taken."

President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi of Congo had previously expressed his desire to expedite the "accelerated retreat" of the U.N. peacekeeping mission by a year, citing their failure to curb conflicts in the eastern part of the country. He firmly stated, "it's time for our country to take its destiny fully in hand."

Eastern Congo, situated far from the capital, has been long afflicted by numerous armed groups vying for control over the region's valuable resources, including gold. Some of these groups have allegedly received support from Congo's neighboring nations.

U.N. experts have pointed to "substantial evidence" suggesting that Rwanda is supporting the resurgent M23 rebel group, an accusation that Rwanda has vehemently denied.