GOMA, Congo — In a significant shift in military leadership, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has announced the replacement of the chief of the armed forces and several high-ranking officers, as the military continues its fight against rebel groups in the eastern part of the country. This news was confirmed by state media late Thursday.
General Christian Tshiwewe, who has held the position of Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces since October 2022, has been replaced by Lieutenant General Jules Banza Mwilambwe. This change comes amidst ongoing military confrontations with over 100 armed groups in the mineral-rich eastern regions of Congo, which has sparked one of the most severe humanitarian crises worldwide. To date, more than 7 million people have been displaced, with hundreds losing their lives in the past year. The M-23 rebel group is one of the prominent factions involved in the conflict, a group that both the Congolese government and United Nations peacekeepers accuse of having backing from neighboring Rwanda.
The Congolese government has sought a more gradual and flexible withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, which operates in eastern Congo. In response, the U.N. Security Council unanimously agreed on Friday to extend the mission’s mandate until December 20, 2025. This resolution sets a troop limit of 11,500 military personnel, alongside 600 military observers and staff officers, and 1,722 international police. The primary objectives outlined for MONUSCO include the protection of civilians under threat and the disarmament and demobilization of armed groups.
The resolution was firm in its condemnation of all armed groups within Congo, urging an immediate cessation of violence. Specific emphasis was placed on the M-23’s expansion in eastern Congo and the condemnation of external support for their actions. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield probed the council regarding the cautious language employed by some members, referencing reports from U.N. experts about a significant presence of Rwandan troops in Congolese territory and their involvement with the M-23 group.
The Security Council members, including representatives from the U.S. and U.K., voiced their disappointment regarding Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s absence from a peace summit scheduled for December 15. The resolution reiterated the Security Council’s full support for the ongoing mediation efforts led by Angola between Congo and Rwanda.
The state television report did not clarify the motivations behind the military reshuffle, but notable figures affected by the changes include Major General Christian Ndaywel, who previously served as chief of military intelligence and participated in peace discussions with Rwanda.
Escalating conflicts in the region have led to increased territory seizures by rebels in the past year, particularly in North Kivu province, where several areas are now under rebel control. Attempts to conduct direct peace talks between Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Angola were recently called off, with the Congolese presidency citing the Rwandan delegation’s refusal to participate, whereas the Rwandan government referred to the discussions as postponed.