Wed Jan 01 14:14:40 UTC 2025: ## M23 Leader Claims Defensive War, Calls for Dialogue Amidst Eastern DRC Conflict
**Goma, DR Congo** – The leader of the M23 rebel group, Bertrand Bisimwa, has insisted that their ongoing rebellion in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is purely defensive, driven by the alleged persecution and discrimination of the Tutsi minority. In an exclusive interview, Bisimwa reiterated calls for dialogue with the Kinshasa government, blaming the escalating conflict on the DRC’s refusal to engage in meaningful peace talks.
The conflict, which has raged for three years, has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced nearly two million people. While Kinshasa views M23 as a major security threat and accuses Rwanda of supporting the group – a claim Rwanda denies – Bisimwa frames the situation differently. He argues that the Tutsi population faces systemic discrimination and violence, forcing the M23 to take up arms for self-preservation.
Recent clashes in North Kivu province’s Lubero territory saw intense fighting between M23 and government forces. Bisimwa claims that the DRC government launched a major offensive in December, aiming to achieve a military victory before planned peace talks. He alleges that the offensive involved over 22,000 government troops, supported by other armed groups, forcing the M23 to retaliate defensively. He denies accusations of territorial expansion, stating that M23 only takes control of areas from which they are being attacked.
The UN has criticized M23’s territorial gains, viewing them as acts of conquest. However, Bisimwa countered that the group has facilitated the return of over 480,000 displaced families to their homes in areas under M23 control, refuting claims of population displacement being solely attributable to M23 actions.
Bisimwa also addressed the stalled peace process, citing the DRC’s refusal to engage in dialogue with M23 as a significant obstacle to peace. He criticized the Congolese government for repeatedly failing to uphold ceasefire agreements, blaming them for the resumption of hostilities. He further rejected accusations of M23 involvement in the exploitation of Rubaya’s mines, stating that the group focuses on protecting the civilian population. He also emphasized M23’s commitment to protecting the Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from illegal exploitation.
The ongoing conflict continues to destabilize the eastern DRC, raising regional tensions and highlighting the need for a negotiated solution. Despite Bisimwa’s call for dialogue, the Kinshasa government’s continued refusal to engage directly with M23 remains a major roadblock to ending the violence.
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