M23 Rebels to Be Integrated into DRC Army

The Kinshasa government and M23 rebel movement are expected to sign an agreement on March 15 in Kampala, Uganda, a move that would bring an end to talks that began in December 2012, Congolese Potentiale newspaper reported.

The agreement would have M23 fighters integrated into the FARDC force as was the case with CNDP in 2009.

Sources say that Kinshasa government would only absorb M23 rebels not above the rank of Lieutenant.

M23 rebels above the rank of Leuitnant would consider demoblising to civilian life.

Kinshasa also proposes that M23 military chiefs affected by UN sanctions would also be granted amnesty in an agreement with the Parliament.

However, the break away faction led by Bishop Runiga the former political head of M23 has strongly opposed the reintegration of M23 fighters into the national army.

The faction under Brigadier Sultani Makenga is willing to sign this agreement with Kinshasa government.

President Joseph Kabila is said to be in consultation with members of parliamentary majority on the forthcoming deal with M23 movement.

Brig. Sultani Makenga the military leader of the M23 Movement is also consulting with his Leutenants at their base in Bunagana on the border with Uganda.

Meanwhile the faction loyal to Jean-Marie Runiga, deposed President of M23 are said to be preparing for the possibility of an attack on the coalition between Congolese FARDC troops and faction loyal to Brig. Makenga.

However, according to Col. Mirindi Seraphin, spokesman for the pro-Runiga faction of M23 has condemned as unfortunate alliance between Kinshasa and Makenga.

Col.Mirindi considering the Kinshasa alliance with Brig. Makenga will torpedo negotiations Kampala.

He says, “We learned that the Chief of Army Staff of the Congolese army, Gen. Francois Olenga is preparing basic operations in Goma, in anticipation of an attack on our positions”.

The attack is said to be a coalition with the Rwandan rebels of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Mai-Mai militias and men Sultani Makenga.

“They will be held responsible for any deterioration of the security situation in the Kivu,” Col. Mirindi warned.