Two FDLR battalions, namely Canaan and Jericho / CRAP were sided the FARDC against M23.
It has been speculated that Col Ruhinda, the head of the Jericho Battalion (FDLR / CRAP) has a guard in the area of Rugali/ Rutshuru tertitory with Canaan Battalion surveys the Tongo region, in the central provinces of Jomba are now fighting for FARDC against M23.
One of the soldiers recruited in the Canaan Battalion based in Kidodi lead by Major Tafi says ‘The FARDC forces were stationed at Rubare, when they arrived they were immediately given new uniforms by the government forces and enlisted in the fighting immediately.
The witness said he was now in the Heavy Weapon troops camped in Kinyamahura.
In an interview with our correspondent in Goma yesterday, Maj Willy Ngoma, an M23 spokesperson, was quoted as saying: “We are the Congolese people and we do not need the help of other people because we are not as Government forces undermine FDLR. Major Ngoma goes on to say that they are ready to fight until the end.
The Spokesperson also strongly criticized the government for its continued collaboration of FDLR militiamen in their operations.
2020 United State terrorism reports classified FDLR as a terror group which has traditionally disrupted the security of the Congolese people and the Great lake region as well.
Currently, reports stated that UPDF forces were also intervene in the war, where they joined FARDC to combat M23 in Bunagana region. Around 1,000 of UPDF elements are now controlling Bunagaga City while M 23 Militiamen hold fire back in their mountain positions.