By KT Reporter
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has dismissed accusations by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels that it collaborated with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) during last week’s clashes near Goma, North Kivu province.
The intense fighting, which occurred between Friday and Saturday west of Goma, left 52 people dead and caused widespread panic among civilians, according to the DRC government. Following the violence, M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, issued a statement accusing the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) of supporting the attacks.
The rebels further threatened to demand SAMIDRC’s immediate withdrawal, arguing that its involvement violated ceasefire agreements, hindered the rehabilitation of Goma International Airport, and limited M23’s ability to demand the surrender of FARDC troops stationed at MONUSCO bases. In a statement released Monday afternoon, SADC officials Brigadier Molatlhegi Ntelamo, Head of Planning Element, and Barbara Lopi, Head of Communication and Public Relations, refuted the allegations as “inaccurate and misleading.”
“SADC has noted with deep concern the contents of an official communiqué issued on 12 April 2025 by the Alliance Flauve Congo/March 23 Movement (M23), which alleges that the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) has engaged in joint military operations alongside the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and the Wazalendo militia in Goma against M23.
SADC firmly refutes these allegations. SAMIDRC has not participated in any joint operations as claimed. These assertions are both inaccurate and misleading. In alignment with the directive of the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, SAMIDRC is currently implementing a structured and coordinated withdrawal from the DRC.”
The statement reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to the agreements reached during a consultative meeting held on March 28, 2025, in Goma with M23 leadership. SADC emphasized its dedication to supporting peaceful, diplomatic efforts for long-term stability in eastern DRC. “The SADC Secretariat urges all parties to act responsibly, refrain from the spread of misinformation, and work collectively toward de-escalation and the restoration of peace in the region,” the statement added.
M23 has not yet officially responded to the SADC’s rebuttal. Meanwhile, fresh fighting broke out on Sunday in Kavumu town, South Kivu province. FARDC and Wazalendo briefly seized control of the town’s airport, but were later overpowered and dislodged by M23 forces. The M23 insurgency, which resurfaced in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, has intensified tensions in eastern DRC. The Kinshasa government continues to accuse Rwanda of backing M23—an allegation both Rwanda and the rebel group deny. M23 claims its struggle is rooted in opposition to corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC’s leadership-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
