Two Congolese rebel groups have merged to fight the government forces in the eastern part of the vast central African country.
The merger follows a failed attempt by the rebels loyal to renegade General Bosco Ntaganda to take over Bunagana border post early last month.
Now the Ntaganda forces have merged with the forces loyal to Col. Machenga known as the M23RD. The rebels are currently engaging the Congolese government forces and have since changed their fighting tactics. Unlike in the past when they used to attack and run back to the forests, the rebels are now focusing on capturing villages and establishing their control.
A Congolese intelligence officer at Bunagana post, who preferred anonymity, told URN Reporter that the two groups seem to be more organized than ever, saying that they are now not targeting civilians.
He revealed that the rebels first shoot in the air asking locals to leave their villages and also escort some residents who decide to move with their household property, animals, and vehicles to the Uganda –Congo border.
The M23RD, whose name was derived from an agreement that was signed between Col Machenga and the Congolese government on March 23, 2009 in Goma, has for long not been involved in fighting the government.
It is said that the agreement between the rebels and the Joseph Kabila government was to pave way for a cessation of hostilities. It was also ensure that the government extends privileges such as monthly salaries, uniforms to the rebels, as well as considering them for promotions in the national army which was never done.
The intelligence officer at Bunagana told URN that when the Ntaganda forces were still alone, they used to also target civilians but now they are targeting the government forces alone.
On Sunday morning, the two groups made an attempt to take control of Bunagana border post from the Congolese forces but were repulsed.
The areas of Nyarubara, Chanzu, Kibumba, Runyonyi and part of the Virunga National Park are now under the control of the rebels.
Uganda People’s Defense Forces spokesperson for Western Uganda, Captain Peter Mugisa said that the Ugandan forces have to remain on the Ugandan side to stop any bad elements from entering Uganda.
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