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Khassim Diagne, Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations within the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), explained Wednesday during an exchange with the press organized by Patrick Muyaya, Minister communication and media, in Kinshasa. He explained the position of the UN mission on the ground in North Kivu in relation to the M23. He also clarified the words of Bintou Keita, head of MONUSCO, before the Security Council following numerous interpretations on social networks.
The N°2 of the UN mission confirmed that according to their information that the M23 has acquired a military anti-aircraft arsenal. These fighters like Kinshasa use surface-to-air missiles and can hit air targets. “We are in diplomacy, in international relations. We don’t need to go into details. She said we are extremely concerned. We are facing an armed group that has capabilities that are not the capabilities of a normal armed group. It means an armed group that has surface-to-air missiles,” he said, answering questions from reporters. He also recalled that this surface-to-air device has already caused damage: “This surface-to-air missile was the cause of the descent of a Congolese army plane. A surface-to-air missile shoots down an airplane or helicopter. That’s what she said “. He did not, however, mention the crash of the MONUSCO helicopter which many within the mission consider to be the work of the Rwandan-backed M23. No details were given on the types of launchers. Are they very short-range missiles (with man-portable launchers) or a veritable arsenal of ground systems with tractor-erector-launchers (a vehicle with an integrated tractor that can transport, elevate to a firing position and fire one or more missiles). “We said: watch out! We have an obligation to respect and protect our blue helmets. It is a call to the international community. This does not mean that we are powerless,” added Khassim Diagne.
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