FARDC change tactics: M23 suffer major setback at Sake

M23 insurgents and their Rwandan masterminds didn't see this coming: a

fierce defense by the FARDC for every single inch of the Congolese

homeland.



It now seems that the latest change of tactics by the FARDC includes

resorting to counter-guerrilla combats with smaller units as well as

ganging up with local patriotic self-defense militias known as

"Mai-Mai."



(By the way, in conversations with FARDC officers I've voiced all

along my skepticism regarding for instance the use of tanks in the war

in the Kivus.)



A vivid illustration of this tactical change occurred--or is still

occurring--at Sake, about 30 km south of Goma.



And whatever the outcome at Sake, the FARDC should stick to it. And

it's not like they got any other choice: the other has superior

weapons provided by the US via Rwanda whereas the FARDC are crippled

by an unjust arms embargo!



Ten hours ago, M23 columns marched into Sake without encountering any

resistance.



Then, all of a sudden, all hell broke loose!



Here's for example a part of what Pete Jones and David Smith of The

Guardian filed from Goma this evening:



"The rebel militia M23 – widely believed to be backed by Rwanda –holds

the major city of Goma but was taken by surprise on Thursday in the

village of Sake, 16 miles

(26km) away, when government soldiers launched a counter-offensive,

opening fire from surrounding hills.



"M23 sent four truckloads of reinforcements from Goma but reports

indicated that the rebels were forced to pull back towards the city.

M23 military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Vianney

Kazarama said: 'It is war, of course

there is fighting.''



(Source: m.guardiannews.com/world/2012/nov/22/humanitarian-crisis-congo?cat=world&type=article)



Well, Kazarama, to paraphrase Joe Biden, "gird your loins"

veryvtightly: there will be more fighting than you bargained for!