“They Chose War”: AFC-M23 official issues warning amid Minembwe tensions
An AFC-M23 official says the government chose war over dialogue and warns that the group is prepared to respond amid renewed tensions around Minembwe.
Dr. Freddy Kaniki, head of the MRDP Twirwaneho and deputy president of the AFC led by Corneille Nangaa, has accused the Congolese government of choosing military action over dialogue amid renewed tensions in the Minembwe area of South Kivu.
In remarks concerning the security situation, Kaniki claimed that Minembwe is once again being surrounded by forces that he said include the Congolese army (FARDC), Burundian troops, the FDLR and foreign mercenaries. He did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the presence or movements of all the forces he named.
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Kaniki also called on the United Nations to pay closer attention to the situation, warning that continued military pressure could lead to what he described as a humanitarian catastrophe. His comments come amid wider tensions and ongoing armed confrontations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Twirwaneho leader said his side remained open to dialogue, arguing that efforts toward a political solution should continue. However, he warned that if their positions or communities came under attack, M23 and Twirwaneho forces would respond and seek to protect civilians under their control.
