The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing turmoil as fighters from the notorious M23 rebel group are causing chaos in the country’s east, engaging in battles with the national army and seizing control of key locations. Thousands of lives have been lost in just a short period, leading to escalating tensions between DR Congo and neighboring Rwanda.
The roots of this complex conflict can be traced back to one man – M23 leader Sultani Makenga, who is facing allegations of war crimes, including the use of child soldiers and involvement in sexual violence. Makenga’s life story is intertwined with decades of warfare, foreign interference, and the allure of DR Congo’s valuable mineral resources.
Born on Christmas Day in 1973 in Masisi, Makenga joined a Tutsi rebel group in Rwanda at a young age, fighting against the Hutu-dominated government and advocating for Tutsi rights and the return of Tutsi refugees. His involvement in the Rwandan Patriotic Front culminated in the overthrow of the extremist Hutu regime and the establishment of a new government in Rwanda.
Despite his success in Rwanda, Makenga’s military career hit a roadblock due to his limited education and language skills. He later played a role in the Rwandan-backed forces that took power in DR Congo, but conflicts with his superiors led to his imprisonment and eventual involvement in rebel activities along the DR Congo-Rwanda border.
Known for his strategic prowess and leadership abilities, Makenga rose through the ranks and became a prominent figure in the ongoing conflict in the region. The tensions between DR Congo and Rwanda, fueled by ethnic discrimination and political rivalries, continue to contribute to the instability in the area. Ich bin ein Soldat, und die Sprache, die ich kenne, ist die des Gewehrs.
Mehr als fünf Millionen Menschen sollen im Krieg und in seinen Folgen gestorben sein – hauptsächlich an Hunger oder Krankheiten.
Der Kampf endete offiziell im Jahr 2003, aber Makenga setzte seinen Dienst in bewaffneten Gruppen, die der kongolesischen Regierung entgegengesetzt waren, fort.
Im Geiste der Versöhnung wurden Tutsi-Rebellen wie Makenga schließlich in die bewaffneten Streitkräfte der kongolesischen Regierung integriert, in einem Prozess namens „Mixage“.