In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as fighting between the DRC Armed Forces and the M23 rebellion draws closer to Goma, tension is mounting in the provincial capital of North Kivu. The local population criticizes in particular the force of the East African Community (EAC) deployed in the city for not going on the attack. The attitude of the EAC troops which is explained by limited means and diplomatic risks. Decryption.
In Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the pressure has been high this week. In the streets, a mobilization of civil society took place to ask the East African Community Force (EAC) deployed in the region, and more particularly, the Kenyan contingent, to intervene against the M23 rebels. The rebellion puts pressure on the Congolese army.
Fighting, which lasted all week, was approaching Sake, the last major town before Goma, on the western side. Since the capture of Kitchang via the M23 motorway on January 26, the front has indeed fallen along the road linking Sake to Butembo, about 10km north of the town.
On February 9, 2023, the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) announced that they had foiled an offensive by the rebels who tried to circumvent their positions, according to the army spokesman in North Kivu.