The Democratic Republic of Congo has formally requested military support from Chad to combat the M23 rebels, according to media reports on Wednesday.
Didier Mazenga, a special envoy from Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, traveled to Chad on Tuesday to meet with President Mahamat Idriss Déby. According to French broadcaster RFI, Mazenga delivered a message from Tshisekedi seeking Chad’s assistance in the ongoing fight against the rebels, who have continued advancing in eastern Congo.
While the request has not been formally addressed, a Chadian official stated that “nothing is ruled out.” Earlier this month, President Déby expressed Chad’s support for Congo, emphasizing the need to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to President Tshisekedi, The conflict, which has persisted for over two decades, has displaced more than 7 million people in Congo. The M23 rebels captured Goma last month and have since advanced into Bukavu.
Since January 26, clashes have resulted in over 3,000 deaths, nearly 3,000 injuries, and more than 500,000 new displacements, adding to the 6.4 million people already displaced, according to UN figures.
At least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 South Africans, have been killed in recent battles. Meanwhile, Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels and deploying troops in eastern Congo – allegations Kigali has repeatedly denied.
