The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has made its position clear regarding the highly sensitive issue of reintegrating former M23 rebels into the national army (FARDC).
On Monday, July 7, the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, stated on Radio Okapi that if this process happens, it will be done “case by case” and not as a mass recruitment.
In a tense political and security debate, the government spokesperson said: “If the negotiations with M23 end, there will be no more integration or mixing. Any inclusion will be done on a case-by-case basis, through a difficult process involving verification of whether any crimes were committed.”
This statement is meant to reassure the public, many of whom are unsure of what to expect—but it also serves as a warning to the opposing side currently in negotiations.
It was noted that under Joseph Kabila’s presidency, many former rebels were integrated into the army without proper vetting, a system that was widely criticized and is considered by some as a reason for the instability within FARDC.
