Battle hardened rebels are feared to be grouping to invade DRC’s greater Katanga region, insider sources privy with Katanga administration said.
Katanga, a home ground for former president Joseph Kabila is preparing for confrontation with the (FRN) rebels, Front for the Refoundation of the Nation.
Gen. Eddy Kapend, commander of the 22nd Military Region, is mobilizing defense and security forces in Greater Katanga in response to the threat posed by the rebels, Taarifa Investigative Desk has reliably established.
According to emerging details, Gen.Kapend spoke at a joint parade of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the Congolese National Police (PNC), held at Manika Stadium in Kolwezi, Lualaba Province.
He called on the troops to maintain a high level of vigilance, demonstrate discipline, and be prepared to respond to security threats.
Kapend also announced an awareness campaign to be conducted by Colonel Majita Yav Charles, commander of the 22nd Regional Directorate of the CECAS (Central African Armed Forces), specifically in Dilolo, Kalemie, Lubumbashi, and Kasumbalesa.
“He will go everywhere to awaken our conscience and remind us of our duty to defend the regime to the ultimate sacrifice,” said Eddy Kapend.
“The situation is serious. This is a time for war. The former head of state has turned into a rebel. He has become the enemy of the country, the enemy of our wealth, and the enemy of our institutions,” said Colonel Majita Yav Charles, commander of the 22nd Regional Directorate of the CECAS (Central African Armed Forces).
However, he said that the operational effectiveness of the armed forces does not depend solely on weapons, but also on the loyalty of soldiers, their discipline and the quality of their relations with the population.
“During war, the soldier can only win with his weapon. He can also win through his loyalty and good relations with civilians. Show restraint. Civilians are not your enemies,” he noted.
