According to information obtained by RFI from the report, Guterres expresses deep apprehension about the situation unfolding in the eastern region of the DRC, more than a year after the resurgence of hostilities between the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and the M23 rebels.

The recently published report by the UN Group of Experts in August this year highlights that the FARDC sought assistance from other armed groups operating in the eastern DRC to fight M23 rebels.

Contained within the 15-page document dispatched to the UN Security Council, Guterres conveys his concerns over the escalation of armed groups comprising individuals who claim to be acting in self-defense.

These groups, composed primarily of civilians armed with weaponry, have pledged their commitment to confront the M23 rebels. Guterres highlights that this ongoing situation exacerbates security challenges, as inexperienced civilians might attack fellow civilians or even perish in conflicts due to their lack of combat proficiency.

The UN Group of Experts’ report published earlier in June this year pointed out a collaboration between the FARDC and FDLR, a designated terrorist group comprising individuals implicated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This collaboration aimed at countering the M23 rebels. The report further reveals interactions between the Congolese Armed Forces and FDLR, including organized meetings.

As outlined in the report, a coalition named the "Alliance des Résistants de la Patrie (ARP)" was formed by these armed groups in North Kivu Province. Initially, General Janvier Buingo Karahiri, commander of the APCLS armed group, led the coalition, while Guidon Shimirayi Mwisa, in charge of the NDC-R armed group, assumed the role of logistics head in partnership with "General" Dominique Ndaruhutse, also known as Domi, who leads the CMC/FDP armed group. This coalition also encompasses the Mai-Mai Kifuafua armed group situated in Walikale and Masisi.

Rutshuru hosts a collection of coalition members, including Mouvement Patriotique d’Autodéfense (MPA), Collectif des Mouvements pour le Changement/Forces Armées du Peuple Congolais (CMC/FAPC), NDC-R/Bwira under the leadership of Mapenzi, and the FDLR, considered the most potent entity within the alliance.

The UN Group of Experts’ report discloses that the coalition played an active role in assaults against the M23 rebels in the regions of Kitshanga and Rubaya in January and February 2023.

There are allegations against Congolese military leaders for orchestrating the formation of this coalition of armed groups.

The recently published report by the UN Group of Experts in August this year highlights that the FARDC sought assistance from other armed groups operating in the eastern DRC to fight M23 rebels.