Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Addresses Security Challenges in North Kivu

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka convened in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, on the evening of Wednesday, June 26, 2024, where she addressed a gathering of representatives from the active forces following a lengthy Provincial Security Council meeting.

In her address, Prime Minister Suminwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to tackle the challenges posed by armed groups and Rwandan aggression through its proxies, such as the M23 rebellion.

“I extend my tribute not only to our soldiers but also to our volunteers (Wazalendo) who risk their lives daily on the front lines. While we wish for an end to this conflict, we must confront the underlying issues and seek viable solutions.

There are no miracles, no magic wands, but by reconsidering our approach, we can find real solutions. The Head of State has firmly committed to strengthening our military, and we are already making strides in this direction,” stated Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, addressing the military governor of North Kivu and other government officials.

Without explicitly naming him, Suminwa Tuluka alluded to the impact of FARDC’s enhanced capabilities on Rwandan President Paul Kagame, a key supporter of the M23 rebellion.

“It is telling to see the reactions from those who have been silent until now. Their sudden outspokenness signifies their unease. We will not relent in our efforts; they will feel the repercussions, and we will persist,” assured the Prime Minister.

During the meeting, various components of the active forces and political party representatives in North Kivu submitted memoranda to the Prime Minister, who committed to thorough examination of their concerns.

“I have listened to your voices throughout today. While discussing individually may take time, I urge you to return home safely. Please submit your memos grouped by sector, and I will personally analyze each one to understand your challenges and seek viable solutions. Listening is essential for progress,” emphasized Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.

For over two decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo has grappled with both local and foreign armed group activities, notably the M23 supported by Rwanda, and the rise of ADF-MTM rebels in North Kivu. The presence of M23 in parts of North Kivu and the activities of Mobondo militiamen in the west exacerbate the situation.

Amid stalled peace talks and ongoing conflicts across eastern Congo, the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes have stalled. Relations between President Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame remain strained, with recent changes in their respective foreign ministries. Meanwhile, the M23 has expanded its operations and appointed coordinators for its foreign representation.