DRC Says Demands of CNDP Not Of M23 Movement

The Security Council and peacekeeping African Union (AU) has asked DRC government to meet the demands made by the M23 rebels.

The demands should be met through the implementation “effective” agreements of 23 March 2009.

These agreements were signed in Goma, North Kivu between the Congolese government and the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP) of Laurent Nkunda.

The M23 rebellion demands include respect of these agreements by the government.

The request of the African Union comes at the end of the 35th meeting of the Security Council and the African Union Peace held on 19 September in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

AU says DRC must restore its authority and promote lasting peace, even through the effective implementation of the Goma agreement of 23 March 2009.

The AU has also reiterated its strong condemnation of actions of the M23 rebel Movement and all other negative forces operating in eastern DRC.

However, the congolese government says demands of March 23, 2009 are for CNDP and not M23.

The national deputy Henry Thomas Lokondo, member of the Presidential Majority (MP), a platform supporting the head of state Joseph Kabila, considers that the AU position is contradictory to the United Nations and international organizations.

“Why is African Union also seeking effective implementation of the Goma agreement between the government and the CNDP? Is CNDP the same as M23? “he questioned.

He argues that CNDP has already turned into a political party and is even part of the MP.

“Can we conclude today that the CNDP is the M23? No. The CNDP is a political party and M23 are the elements of the mutineers … ” he said.