M23's political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, stated on January 23, 2025, that while the group has assured it harbours no hostile intentions toward the peacekeeping forces, they are preparing to defend themselves against potential attacks.
M23 fighters, engaged in clashes with the Congolese army and allied forces, seized Sake, a town located just over 20 kilometres from Goma, on Thursday after repeatedly warning UN and SAMIDRC forces to stay out of the ongoing conflict.
'All signals indicate that MONUSCO and SAMIDRC are ready to attack us. Therefore, we will defend ourselves,' Kanyuka wrote on his X page.
The capture of Sake, a key strategic point, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing violence between the rebel group and government forces. M23 says it is defending the interests of minority Congolese Tutsis, many of whom have suffered discrimination and exclusion in DRC.
Footage from the Sake-Goma road showed Congolese forces, alongside UN and SADC troops, retreating eastward.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Congolese army has begun deploying warplanes in an effort to dislodge M23 fighters from Sake, even as the group vows to advance and capture Goma
"The people of Goma have suffered greatly, like other Congolese. The AFC/M23 is on its way to liberate them, and they must prepare to welcome this liberation. They need not fear anything: the AFC/M23 is coming to bring them peace," the spokesperson added.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/m23-warns-of-possible-confrontation-with-un-and-sadc-forces
