The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached out to Chad for military assistance in its ongoing fight against the M23 rebels, media reported on Wednesday.
Didier Mazenga, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s special envoy, arrived in Chad on Tuesday for talks with President Mahamat Idriss Deby. During the talks, Mazenga delivered a message from Tshisekedi asking for Chad’s support in fighting the rebel group, which is making progress in eastern DRC, according to French broadcaster RFI.
Although formal talks on military assistance have not yet taken place, a Chadian official said “nothing has been ruled out” regarding potential support.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
Earlier this month, the president of Chad publicly expressed support for the DRC, stressing the need to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The long-running conflict has displaced more than seven million people within the DRC, and recent escalations have worsened the humanitarian crisis. M23 rebels captured Goma last month before advancing on Bukavu.
Since January 26, the conflict has resulted in more than 3,000 deaths, nearly 3,000 injuries and more than 500,000 new displacements, adding to the 6.4 million people displaced from their homes, according to UN figures.