GOMA, Congo — In a significant military reshuffle, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has made changes to the leadership of the armed forces, including the removal of the Chief of General Staff and several senior military officials. This decision comes amidst ongoing conflicts with various rebel groups in the eastern part of the country, as reported by state media late on Thursday.
General Christian Tshiwewe, who has held the position since October 2022, has been succeeded by Lieutenant General Jules Banza Mwilambwe. The armed forces in Congo have faced the challenge of combating over 100 rebel factions for many years, particularly in the mineral-rich eastern regions, which have become a hotbed for conflict. This prolonged struggle has resulted in a humanitarian crisis of significant proportions, with more than 7 million individuals displaced and hundreds of lives lost over the past year. The M-23 rebel group is a notable player in this chaos, with claims from the Congolese government and United Nations peacekeepers suggesting that the group receives support from neighboring Rwanda.
The state broadcaster did not specify the motivations behind the recent military changes. However, other high-ranking military officials affected by these adjustments include Major General Christian Ndaywel, who previously served as the chief of military intelligence and was involved in dialogues aimed at achieving peace with Rwanda.
The situation in eastern Congo has deteriorated in the last year, with rebel forces making advances in various territories. Numerous areas in North Kivu province are currently under rebel control, heightening concerns about security and stability in the region.
Additionally, anticipated peace negotiations between the leaders of Congo and Rwanda, set to occur in Angola, were called off last Sunday. The Congolese presidency indicated that the Rwandan delegation chose not to attend, while the Rwandan government stated that the meeting had been postponed. Through these developments, tensions remain high as the humanitarian crisis continues to unfold.