Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 - Research Paper Example

Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 Is the East side (Goma) of the Democratic Republic of Congo capable of maintaining its peacefollowing the defeat of the M23? Introduction The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced tremendous conflicts and rebellious activities in the last few decades. Now the state is undergoing extensive peacemaking with the help of international communities. Here, the defeat of M23 played the major role because in other case the state would not have been able to conduct safe and secure progress towards national peace. This paper aims to study different influencing factors in regard to Congo peacemaking strategies and defeat of M23, for instance, the intervention by neighboring countries, international mediators and brigade and the domestic efforts to address the rebel threats. Africa somehow always has some bad stories for the international world. The continent has been extensively influenced by corruption and mass killings. African growth and development experienced significant decline ever since 1950s when decolonization actually began (Meredith, 2006). Recent violence attacks, improper use of national resources and massive violation of rules and laws done by the M23 rebels in Democratic Republic of Congo are examples of misery and corruption in Africa. However, the query is that how the country has reached to such a devastating state while on the other hand is it now able to maintain peace after the defeat of M23. In order to understand this situation it is important to first discuss the formation of rebellion organization M23. Congolese government signed a peace agreement with the rebels in country on 23rd March 2009 when initially they were recognized as the members of (CNDP) the National Congress for the defense of the People (Q&A: Who are DR Congos M23 rebels?, 2013). But later on they were named as M23 on the basis of the violation of peace agreement. Research indicates that these rebels are actually associated with an ethnic group called Tutsi which has its very close affiliations in the neighboring country Rwanda. Members of M23 started their activities in April 2012. These particularly involved huge crimes against humanity and the Congolese law, for instance, rape, summary executions and child recruitment. On the other side rebels justified their acts on the basis of the fact that they were not satisfied with their pays and the miserable conditions they were supposed to face in Congolese army. But the government officials argue that the real rebellion arose when Ntaganda was arrested and later he was handed over to ICC (Q&A: Who are DR Congos M23 rebels?, 2013). Here, it is important to notice that M23 is only a ragtag army whereas the distance between Kinshasa and Goma is approximately 1136 km which makes it significantly difficult for the rebels to collapse Congolese government. But these soldiers have continued to fight over the past two decades while also experiencing victory at some occasions. Some scholars also argue that the rebels are sustaining on the basis of extensive mineral resources located in the DRC Eastern (Q&A: Who are DR Congos M23 rebels?, 2013). Discussion In the late 2013 M23 Rebels and the Democratic Republic of Congo government again signed an agreement to bring peace and prosperity in the region. The deal was undertaken in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya (DRC government and M23 sign peace deal, 2013). This deal actually signifies that the mass destruction activities of M23 are going to stop in the upcoming years which will help the Congolese government to continue its peacemaking strategies. However, later on the rebels of M23 were officially defeated by the government on the basis of three important developments undertaken by DRC. At the initial stage the most effective and highly operational individuals were appointed in the North Kivu in order to reduce the reluctance rate previously shown by DRC military to attack M23. On the other hand the United Nations Security Council authenticated the Intervention Brigade through the establishment in MONUSCO. The troops were mainly composed of Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania (Prospects for Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Great Lakes Region, 2014). It has been noticed that Intervention Brigade extended tremendous support in order to safeguard civilians while defending the region of Goma during 2013 attacks by M23. Lastly it was also ensured that M23 does not receive any support from outside which actually helped in ending the rebellion. This was made possible by pressurizing Rwanda through financial and diplomatic strategies so that the state cancels its support to M23. On the political basis M23 rebellion came to an end through Kampala dialogue which was successfully carried out by Uganda. Although the dialogue was initiated in the late 2012 but it continued for few months because the required military pressure was missing while M23 was still having external support. The government of Uganda played a major role in declining the unrealistic demands of M23 from the military forces of Congo and MONUSCO (Prospects for Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Great Lakes Region, 2014). International Mediators such as the United Nations has extended immense support to the Eastern DRC in order to maintain its peace after the fall of M23. The UN peacekeepers are working in Congo for more than 10 years now. However, their peacekeeping activities were insignificant until March 2013 when the Security Council launched its very first battle force to disarm and neutralize Congolese rebels specifically M23. In August 2013 the UN peacekeepers took necessary actions to safeguard the armed groups from entering in to the province of North Kivu (Q&A: Who are DR Congos M23 rebels?, 2013). Neighboring countries have also intervened greatly in to the matters of Congolese government by providing support to the rebels. Here, Rwanda was specifically accused by the Congolese government to protect and advance the harmful activities of M23. Kigali, on the other hand denied all such accusations. However, the United Nations Investigations and Kinshasa continuously insisted that M23 has been receiving aid from Rwanda (Q&A: Who are DR Congos M23 rebels?, 2013). International media also confirms that the military of both DRC and Rwanda have supported the violence in east of the country despite of various promises by the neighboring countries to promote peace in the region. Rwanda has also been involved in the recruitment of fighters against Congo with the help of military officers. The experts from United Nations have also argued that some elements associated with Congolese military have actually cooperated with Hutu Rebel Group in Rwanda in opposition to the M23 Rebel Group in Congo (Nichols, 2013). As discussed previously that the International Brigade performed a major role in elimination of M23 from Congo it was followed by an agreement that the M23 rebels should renounce rebellion in a public announcement so that peace strategies can be enforced. The eventual defeat and surrender of M23 itself brought a hope of peace and security in the country as the rebels were extensively involved in creating violence. They have actually affected more than five million families whereas millions have died. Many people were caught up by starvation and different diseases (Masereka, 2013). Following is a brief description about how the international brigade and Congolese government defeated M23 and initiated peacemaking in the region (Masereka, 2013): Strategic Positioning: The Congolese army had significant strength at the military level while on the other side M23 was weak at military strategy, logistics and positioning. Hence it was easier for Congo military to defeat M23 once Rwanda stopped extending support to them. Command: DRC deployed such influential forces against M23 in 2013 which were completely opposite to what M23 had. The rebels were having highly disorganized, poorly trained and demoralized individuals who were easily removed during Goma capture. Assault: The physical attack over the M23 rebels was initiated by the Congo military from the hill of Kanyamahoro. Drone Attacks: The United Nations Security Council also agreed upon a proposal to arrange observation drone attacks on the DRC’s Eastern Border. This was actually supported by Washington. The first observation drones were sent to Goma. Apart from this, there were significant efforts made at the domestic level to address the rebel threat by M23, for instance, the medical services were granted immediately to the injured individuals among the troops of government and the fighters of M23. Additionally the government strived significantly to investigate the death cases of civilians (M23 rebels attack Congo troops near Goma, 2013). Maintaining Peace in Goma after the defeat of M23 M23 rebels were a significant threat to the peace and security of Congo in general and specifically for its eastern side, Goma. However, after the defeat and then surrender of M23 rebels it can be said with conviction that now the Democratic Republic of Congo is capable of maintaining peace in the region. Here, it should be noted that institutions do not necessarily decide that who should be killed or which entity should be destroyed i.e. either war should be continued or peace should be established. These are actually the responsibilities of individuals which are the most important characteristics of conflict resolution. Both M23 and Congolese government are required to comprehend each others’ pains, ambitions, thinking patterns, reasons for resentments etc. (Picco, 2014). Only then the government would be able to control rebellious activities in the region while also ensuring that no such groups can affect country’s peace in future. The Congolese government also needs to realize that empathy plays a major role when it comes to persuasion. It can be used as the most effective war strategy when compared with some of the terrifying weapons. On the other hand the neighboring countries and international bodies are required to redefine their limits for intervention and non-intervention in to the social and political matters of Congo. The changing nature of technology and warfare has actually increased the rebellion threats for Congolese government which signifies that now the government should make highly strategic peacemaking moves while adopting the international diplomacy. The idea of peace building after a civil conflict gained immense recognition by the end of cold war when USA initiated its very first peace building strategy in Namibia. This helped in peace settlement after a very long civil war in the country (Paris, 2004). The troops of Congolese government have defeated M23 rebels with the help of United Nations Intervention Brigade from the province of North Kivu. The military operations were highly successful which actually raised hopes of peace among the masses. People are now expecting good times in the near future while they are also satisfied on the defeat of M23 individuals. The villagers are considering themselves as liberated which also confirms that Goma is now capable of maintaining peace. However, critics and observers are also indicating that the success of military operations is only an initiation towards peace and stability in the region whereas M23 was one of the numerous armed groups working in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern side. Although this group is defeated but there are many people in the region who are living miserable lives. The military and political parties also need to address this issue (Analysis: Extending peace in DRC after M23’s demise, 2013). United Nations played a remarkable role in the fight against M23 by permitting the troops of government to fight on three different fronts at the same time. This subsequently helped in weakening and dividing the forces of rebels as they became more focused towards the northern Goma. Reforms and Negotiations can be used for further assurance of peace in the region as it has been used in the past when an agreement was signed between African Union and the United Nations. Congo is also committed to an extended program for reformations in order to eliminate the root causes of rebellion and instability in the region. For ensuring peace in Goma the government is required to address the social and political concerns of the disadvantaged ethnic groups so that they might not rebel against the government in future. A comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program will be beneficial for peace building (Analysis: Extending peace in DRC after M23’s demise, 2013). Here, it can be concluded that in broader perspective it is the responsibility of the government to bring peace in the region while providing necessary protection to its citizens. This should also be correlated with development projects concerning economy and administration. References Analysis: Extending peace in DRC after M23’s demise. (2013). Retrieved June 10, 2014, from IRIN Africa. DRC government and M23 sign peace deal. (2013). Retrieved June 10, 2014, from Al Jazeera. M23 rebels attack Congo troops near Goma. (2013). Retrieved June 10, 2014, from The Guardian. Masereka, A. (2013). Blow-by-blow Account: How M23 Was Brought To Its Knees. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from The Pepper Publications LTD. Meredith, M. (2006). The State of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence. London: Free Press. Nichols, M. & Charbonneau, L. (2013). Exclusive: Rwanda army officers aiding M23 rebels in Congo - U.N. experts. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from Reuters. Paris, R. (2004). At wars end: Building peace after civil conflict. UK: Cambridge University Press. Picco, G. & Rifkind, G. (2014). The Fog of Peace. London: I.B.Tauris. Prospects for Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Great Lakes Region. (2014). Retrieved June 10, 2014, from US Department of State. Q&A: Who are DR Congos M23 rebels? (2013). Retrieved June 10, 2014, from Al Jazeera. Read More