𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐂)

Dear Members of the SADC,

I hope this letter finds you well. As Voice of Kivu an independent media in Eastern Congo, we have heard of your readiness to support President Tshisekedi in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, we feel compelled to remind you of a few crucial points that might make your involvement UNETHICAL

First and foremost, it is important to note that President Tshisekedi has not won the elections, not once. His ascension to power can be described as an unfortunate accident of history. The recent election campaign only served to highlight his lack of popularity and lack of vision.

The manner in which the election was conducted over the course of 7 days and 7 nights raises serious concerns about its constitutionality. Furthermore, the President's campaign rhetoric was primarily focused on hate speech and attacking a neighboring country, which raises a fundamental question: Are you coming to seek peace or to support a leader whose sole ambition after reelection appears to be aggression towards our neighboring nation?

South Africa, being the leading force behind this mission, we understand that there are interests in Walikale where tin exploitation takes place. We implore you to remember the legacy of Nelson Mandela and refrain from pretending to restore peace while pursuing personal gains. It is crucial to understand that you are not coming to fight an aggression; you are coming to fight the sons of refugees who have promised their parents that they will not remain stateless forever.

These are individuals who have lost everything, from their dignity to their sense of belonging. Contrary to you, they have nothing else left to lose. If they choose to stay and fight this time, what if they decide to teach you the same lesson they taught the Burundians?

However, it is important to note that these are the most peaceful soldiers you will ever encounter. M23 is a movement known for its professionalism; they do not aggress anyone. Their primary objective is to protect civilians from those FDLR , WAZALENDO and the whole government coalition’s attacks.

Moreover, We would like to draw your attention to the fact that your sister organization, the East African Community (EAC), has also been present in the region. Their mission was to facilitate peace and create a corridor for dialogue between the warring parties. They came, and managed to bring back peace in few months, however, President Tshisekedi seemed determined to pursue a path of war, even going so far as to threaten a Kenyan commander until his resignation. If such behavior does not strike you as unusual, We are at a loss for words. Remember to consult them, we are sure they have a lot of wisdom to share.

We have been informed that you are bringing heavy weapons, jet fighters, and other military equipment. However, it is important to understand that no amount of firepower can defeat the determination of a child yearning to return home. You may kill one or two, but the third and fourth will continue the fight and liberate every corner of our country from the despair that plagues it.

Respectfully,

Voice of Kivu