Congolese media has reported that Civil society in North Kivu is concerned and wondering about the presence of alleged foreign troops in territories of Rutshuru and Lubero in North Kivu province.
A statement released July 1, expressed fear of a possible attack by a coalition of Mai Mai militia and rebels of the M23, with the support of the foreign troops.
However, Provincial authorities have not confirmed the presence of the said foreign troops in the area.
The statement further emphasises that these foreign troops are present in communities of Katwiguru Kahunga, respectively in groups at Binza, Bwisha in Rutshuru.
Another battalion, the statement said, is stationed to Kasiki in the group of Tama in Lubero.
The document claims these foreign troops remained in the DRC after all joint operations against Rwandan rebels of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
The first military operations against the FDLR have been conducted by the Congolese and Rwandan armed forces in the Congo in 2009.
Meanwhile, the ambassador of the Netherlands in the DRC, Robert Van Embden has presented two newly built military Barracks in Bukavu (South Kivu) to the Congolese Government.
The two Barracks valued at US$ 11 Million are located on the outskirts of Bukavu, and Nyamunyunyi, near Kavumu airport.
They have accomodation capacity of nearly 1,400 officers and soldiers of the FARDC, as well as nearly 5,000 of their dependents.
DRC, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Alexander Luba Ntambo said, “only the military who have not committed crimes” will be housed in these barracks and that must be endorsed by Monusco.
During the offcial handed over of the two barracks, the minister said the FARDC barracks are a priority of the government plan to reform the army.
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