The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has turned to Chad for military assistance as it struggles to contain the growing threat of the M23 rebels in its eastern provinces. A high-level Congolese envoy met with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno on Tuesday to discuss the request, though details remain undisclosed. While Chad is considering the appeal, no decision has been made. The move highlights Kinshasa’s urgent push for regional support as the conflict intensifies.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has formally requested military assistance from Chad to combat the escalating insurgency by the M23 rebels in its eastern provinces, according to officials from both countries.
On Tuesday, Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration met with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno on behalf of President Félix Tshisekedi. While details of the discussions remain undisclosed, a Chadian official confirmed that Chad is considering the request but has yet to make a decision.
A source within the Congolese presidency revealed that Kinshasa is seeking both military and diplomatic support from N’Djamena. However, no further details were provided, and both officials spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Neither Chad’s government spokesman Gassim Cherif nor Tshisekedi’s spokesperson Tina Salama commented on the request. Meanwhile, Chad’s Foreign Minister last week dismissed reports of a military deployment as “pure speculation.”
This comes as DRC is striving to get all the help it can get especially as Kinshasa has refuted all options with a dialogue with M23.
A few hours ago, Rwanda terminated it’s cooperation with Belgium over its involvement in the nation’s internal affairs.
