A UN expert report on the Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of preparing to grant a prominent leadership position to Gen. Laurent Nkunda within the M23 rebel group, in an effort to calm internal tensions.
In May, that UN panel released the report prior to submitting it to the UN Security Council committee responsible for sanctions.
Led by Belgian Mélanie De Groof, the experts note that although M23 has performed well militarily, expelling Congolese forces from several areas, the group is plagued by internal friction and infighting.
These conflicts have reportedly arisen due to leadership appointments given to various factions, and the return of former President Joseph Kabila Kabange to Goma after exile.
The report states:
“Internal discord within AFC/M23 escalated due to senior leadership positions being assigned and the controversial announcement of former President Joseph Kabila’s return to eastern DRC. These tensions have revived historical divisions between Rwandan and Congolese factions.”
The UN experts further report:
“To restore unity and reinforce support for AFC/M23, the Rwandan government is planning to assign Laurent Nkunda—currently sanctioned by the UN—a major role within AFC/M23.”
Rwanda has repeatedly criticized the UN panel, accusing it of bias in its annual reports, particularly favoring the DRC.
Gen. Laurent Nkunda, now 58, whom the UN report says is poised to be elevated, formerly held senior roles with the AFDL and RCD-Goma, before founding the CNDP—the group from which M23 split.
CNDP/M23 has been engaged in conflict with DRC forces for over three and a half years.
In 2009, Gen. Nkunda was arrested by Rwandan security forces in Rubavu while attempting to flee. He has now been detained in Rwanda for 16 years.
