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M23 Rebels in the Congo End their Insurgency
12 years ago
Dear Princess Celestia
Okapi Conservation Project Field Report
Epulu Station, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, DRC
7-NOV-2013
Dem Rep Congo Rebels End Insurgency
The M23 rebel group in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo ended their insurgency after a crushing military defeat. M23 leaders ordered commanders to prepare troops to disarm, demobilize and prepare for reintegration on terms agreed with the government of the Congo. The M23 was forced to end its rebellion by a combination of factors; concerted international pressure; an unusually competent performance by the DRC’s armed forces; the robust action of a new UN “intervention brigade” and Rwanda’s apparent decision to stop its (alleged) military support of the rebels.
“This is a critical and exciting step in the right direction” said Mr. Feingold, the US Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and the DRC. “If we can deal with the larger groups then others will see the writing on the wall” he said. “It will be easier for the Congolese government to assert authority and for the people to see the benefit of peace. That could have a domino effect.”
Impact on Okapi Conservation Project
The demise of M23 sends an intimidating message to other armed groups. The Congolese army is aware of the various armed militias operating in Eastern DRC, including Morgan and his followers and has made it clear if they don’t surrender they will be disarmed by force. The OCP staff is encouraged that the elite UN forces and well-disciplined and well paid DRC soldiers will now make securing all of Eastern DRC a priority. We have made great deal of progress in rebuilding ICCN facilities and providing much needed assistance to the communities in the last year under very uncertain conditions. Just imagine what we could do if the threat of bodily harm and loss of equipment was not constantly hanging over our heads.
The elimination of illegal armed groups is necessary for ICCN rangers to carry out effective conservation actions inside the Okapi Wildlife Reserve that eliminate human destruction of forests and stop the illegal trade in wildlife products. We are encouraging national government officials to support continued military intervention to eradicate all self-serving militias and poachers from the area in and around the Reserve. Hopefully with determined efforts from the ICCN rangers and the DRC military supported by UN troops 2014 will see the return of peace and security to all of Eastern DRC which will provide an immense benefit for the wildlife and people of the region.
Epulu Station, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, DRC
7-NOV-2013
Dem Rep Congo Rebels End Insurgency
The M23 rebel group in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo ended their insurgency after a crushing military defeat. M23 leaders ordered commanders to prepare troops to disarm, demobilize and prepare for reintegration on terms agreed with the government of the Congo. The M23 was forced to end its rebellion by a combination of factors; concerted international pressure; an unusually competent performance by the DRC’s armed forces; the robust action of a new UN “intervention brigade” and Rwanda’s apparent decision to stop its (alleged) military support of the rebels.
“This is a critical and exciting step in the right direction” said Mr. Feingold, the US Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and the DRC. “If we can deal with the larger groups then others will see the writing on the wall” he said. “It will be easier for the Congolese government to assert authority and for the people to see the benefit of peace. That could have a domino effect.”
Impact on Okapi Conservation Project
The demise of M23 sends an intimidating message to other armed groups. The Congolese army is aware of the various armed militias operating in Eastern DRC, including Morgan and his followers and has made it clear if they don’t surrender they will be disarmed by force. The OCP staff is encouraged that the elite UN forces and well-disciplined and well paid DRC soldiers will now make securing all of Eastern DRC a priority. We have made great deal of progress in rebuilding ICCN facilities and providing much needed assistance to the communities in the last year under very uncertain conditions. Just imagine what we could do if the threat of bodily harm and loss of equipment was not constantly hanging over our heads.
The elimination of illegal armed groups is necessary for ICCN rangers to carry out effective conservation actions inside the Okapi Wildlife Reserve that eliminate human destruction of forests and stop the illegal trade in wildlife products. We are encouraging national government officials to support continued military intervention to eradicate all self-serving militias and poachers from the area in and around the Reserve. Hopefully with determined efforts from the ICCN rangers and the DRC military supported by UN troops 2014 will see the return of peace and security to all of Eastern DRC which will provide an immense benefit for the wildlife and people of the region.
