M23 had further moved inwards to Rumagambo where they had taken charge of a strategic FARDC military base and military training facility from the local army. This maneuvers helped stall the construction of a key road from Rumagambo to Goma and halted the movement of goods and people along the Sake-Kilolirwe-Kitchanga both of which serve as the main supply route of food to Goma city.

The militia had also stalled the construction of the country’s second power plant and stalled government services. At the time, senior EACRF officials say Kinshasa had genuine concerns eastern DRC could splinter especially were M23 to take control of Goma airport.

EACRF say they averted the threat by offering a buffer. The forces also say they captured Kibati, Virunga-at the foot of Mount Nyiragongo an active volcano, Kibumba, and Mulimbi following the partial withdrawal of M23. The militia’s withdrawal is in line with the EAC Heads of State’s call for a ceasefire.

Now they say plenty of lessons have been learnt here, one of which is the fact of the complex nature of conflict in eastern DRC, making political process a more ideal solution. EACRF said it lacked authority of the EAC Heads of States and government to fire on armed groups unless they were attacked first.

Instead, it focused on facilitating the resumption of government services and political dialogue, which didn’t happen.
The ceasefire between the rebels and government forces, for example, had been brokered by Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta through what is known as the Nairobi Process, last year.