JOHANNESBURG
M23 rebels fighting the Congolese army in eastern Congo are using advanced weapons and equipment similar to those used by the Israeli army and US special forces, a retired South African army general said Tuesday.
Maomela Moreti Motau told the Newsroom Afrika local broadcaster that he observed weapons used by the rebels and believes they are not typical of the region.
“The weapon I saw, I believe, is one used by the armed forces of Israel. I could be mistaken, but it is not a weapon that Rwanda generally uses,” said Motau.
He pointed out that visuals of rebels, who reportedly overran Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, on Monday, show their weapons and equipment are not sourced locally. “Those weapons are from forces that manufacture arms themselves. They are not from the region,” he said.
The retired general, known for his extensive military experience, added that the M23 rebels are outfitted like a regular army, not a guerrilla force. “Their uniforms, their equipment—they are not dressed like a ragtag army. I was a guerrilla fighter myself, so I know what guerrilla fighters look like,” he said.
He also noted that the M23 rebels appear to be well-resourced, citing their use of special equipment, such as sunglasses similar to those used by US special forces. “This is not how a non-conventional army looks. They are clearly supported by a powerful force,” he said.
Motau condemned the killing of South African peacekeepers by the M23 rebels, calling for the incident to be taken seriously. The clashes have claimed the lives of 13 South African peacekeepers, three Malawian soldiers, and a UN peacekeeper.
Motau asserted that South Africa should send a strong message to those supporting the M23 rebels, warning that failing to act could embolden others to challenge the nation’s security.
“If you don’t take a stand, very soon, we’ll be attacked in our own country because people will think we lack the capability to defend ourselves,” he said.
Rwanda, frequently accused of backing the M23 rebels, has consistently denied the allegations, with President Paul Kagame rejecting claims of involvement.
The M23 rebels have intensified their fight against the Congolese army in Goma, targeting the city for its strategic and economic importance. Goma is a gateway to some of the most mineral-rich areas in the world.
The eastern Congo is home to vast deposits of valuable resources, including coltan, gold, and tin, which are crucial for global industries such as electronics. Analysts believe the M23 rebels want to control those resources to fund their operations and gain leverage in negotiations with the government.
The group claims its fight is also driven by grievances about alleged discrimination against Tutsi communities in the region. The Congolese government, however, accuses the M23 of destabilizing the area with external support, particularly from neighboring Rwanda.
The conflict has displaced thousands and worsened regional tensions.
