Patrick Ndeze's installation ceremony took place on October 6, 2024, in Rutshuru, where he donned traditional attire, including a leopard skin and spear, as local residents and M23 rebels celebrated with traditional Kinyarwanda chants and dances, signaling the community's acceptance of the new leadership.
Jean-Baptiste Ndeze Katurebe meeting President Tshisekedi
Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Tuesday evening, convened a significant indoor meeting with Mwami Jean-Baptiste Ndeze Katurebe, the Vice-Minister of the Interior responsible for Customary Affairs.
This high-profile gathering comes in the wake of the recent installation of Patrick Ndeze as the new Mwami (Chief) of the Bwisha Chiefdom in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu province, by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels.
Patrick Ndeze's installation ceremony took place on October 6, 2024, in Rutshuru, where he donned traditional attire, including a leopard skin and spear, as local residents and M23 rebels celebrated with traditional Kinyarwanda chants and dances, signaling the community's acceptance of the new leadership.
Jean-Baptiste Ndeze Katurebe, who previously held the title of Chief of Bwisha Chiefdom, was forced to flee to Goma in March 2022 due to the advancing M23 rebels. His departure left the chiefdom without a leader until M23 installed Patrick Ndeze as their appointed chief.
Early Wednesday morning, the DRC President's office released a statement confirming the meeting between Tshisekedi and Katurebe, accompanied by photos and a video. However, the details of their discussions remain undisclosed, raising speculation about the implications of the meeting amid ongoing unrest.
The M23 rebels have been strategically installing leaders in regions they control. In February 2024, they appointed Patient Kibanja Mangunga as the administrator of Kitchanga town in Masisi territory, with Faustin Batachoka Niyongabo as his deputy.
Earlier in January, the rebels installed Prince Mpabuka as the administrator of Rutshuru territory, supported by Dr. Salomon Bolingo as deputy. Additional appointments included Désiré Kanyamarere as Chief of Bunagana town, Julien Katembo as Chief of Kiwanja town, and Célestin Maguru as head of Rubare town.
The conflict between M23 and the Congolese government ignited in March 2022, led by figures such as Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga. This prolonged conflict has resulted in the M23 capturing significant territories in Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo, and Lubero within North Kivu province.
The DRC government has consistently accused Rwanda of backing M23, a claim that both the Rwandan government and the rebels have denied. M23 asserts that their struggle is against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC's leadership, framing their actions as a fight for justice and equity.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the dynamics of leadership and control remain crucial factors in the unfolding crisis, drawing attention to the intricate interplay of power, tradition, and conflict in the DRC.