On a calm Wednesday morning, thousands of Bukavu residents gathered to hear Francois Mutabazi, a key leader of the M23, speak. His arrival, at Nguba, (Feu vert), accompanied by senior figures from the AFC/M23 who had traveled from Goma, marked a pivotal moment for the city. Bukavu, once under the control of the Congolese government, was now under the direct administration of the M23, signaling a new era for the region.
Mutabazi began his speech with a bold declaration: “Forget everything you’ve heard from media propaganda sponsored by Tshisekedi. Let me tell you the real story, the story of M23 and why it matters to each and every one of us here.” His words were carefully chosen, designed to challenge the narrative crafted by the Congolese government and its supporters. He reminded the crowd that the M23 fighters were not foreign invaders but the sons and daughters of refugees who had been exiled for over 30 years.
He continued, recounting the history that led to their exile, highlighting the role of foreign nations like France, who allowed Rwandan “genocidaires” to cross into Congo and sow chaos. He pointed to the hypocrisy of European critics, particularly Belgium, the same country responsible for the brutal colonization of Congo. “These are the voices now criticizing us,” he said, his tone sharp and defiant.
Mutabazi also condemned the involvement of mercenaries, stating that over 2,500 had been sent to fight the M23, yet no Western country had condemned this intervention. He stressed that the M23 was a revolution supported by the Congolese people, citing the celebrations in cities they had liberated. “In territories we administer, there is no violence, no armed groups, no corruption,” he said, drawing a stark contrast to the brutality inflicted by the national army.
He also addressed common misconceptions, reminding the crowd that many M23 members who spoke Kinyarwanda were not Rwandese, but Congolese, and emphasized that the revolution was not about one tribe but about all Congolese. “M23 is part of a larger umbrella movement called AFC, which includes many groups from all over the country,” he said, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the struggle.
As his speech concluded, Mutabazi shifted his tone, urging the crowd to look to the future. “Now is the time to work hard, to rebuild, and to move forward,” he urged. He encouraged people to engage in trade, restore normalcy, and contribute to the city’s recovery. “The streets must be alive again,” he said, calling on Bukavu residents to return to their daily routines and work together to rebuild their city.
In the days that followed, Bukavu showed signs of life and resilience. The streets buzzed with activity as vendors returned to their stalls, and residents resumed their normal activities. The border post, a crucial link for trade, was reopened, and cross-border trade quickly resumed, vital for the local economy. The restored flow of goods symbolized hope and the beginning of Bukavu’s recovery.
Under M23’s new administration, the city was embracing a sense of normalcy. The DRC government’s influence had vanished, and in its place stood a movement determined to bring peace and prosperity. Mutabazi’s message of hard work and unity resonated deeply, reminding the people of Bukavu that while the path ahead might be challenging, their collective efforts could shape a brighter future for all.
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