This statement was made by M23's political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, on February 11, 2025, after leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) called for the airport's reopening to facilitate humanitarian aid, three days earlier.
"The technical issues, including unexploded bombs and the damaged runway, have created obstacles to reopening Goma's international airport," Kanyuka explained.
In addition, EAC and SADC leaders urged M23 to open key roads, such as the Goma-Bunagana, Goma-Lubero, and the route linking Goma to Bukavu through Lake Kivu.
In response, M23 confirmed that all these roads and water routes are accessible, but called on the SADC forces present in the DRC to use the available routes and return to their home countries.
Kanyuka further stated that while M23 supports the decisions made at the summit, especially regarding political talks with the DRC government, M23 must be part of the discussions on how these decisions will be implemented.
He also reminded that M23 declared a ceasefire on February 3, but reported that DRC and Burundi forces were preparing attacks on civilians in areas under M23 control, including Nyabibwe and the Kalehe center. He warned that M23 would retaliate if these attacks continue.
The spokesperson stated that if SADC and Burundi forces want peace in eastern DRC, they must respect the decisions made by EAC and SADC leaders and withdraw from the region.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/m23-vows-not-to-reopen-goma-airport
