By CHIMPREPORTS
The M23 rebels have issued a stern response to heavy artillery strikes carried out by Tanzanian armed forces deployed in eastern Congo as part of the Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC).
According to M23, Tanzanian forces are employing Multiple Rocket Launchers to target the rebels’ bases.
M23 publicist Lawrence Kanyuka stated on Saturday, “It is important to emphasize that the M23 respects all Regional Organizations and has no particular problem with SADC, notably the Tanzania People’s Defense Forces (TPDF). However, as SADC forces continue to use heavy artillery, in particular the MRLS (BM) 122 mm wielded by Tanzanian soldiers (TPDF), to bomb and kill our civilian populations, the M23 will have no other choice than to capture or neutralize these weapons.” The Tanzanian forces have directed their attacks on Masisi territory, a stronghold of M23 rebels.
The BM-21 Grad, also known as ‘Saba Saba,’ is a Soviet truck-mounted 122-mm multiple rocket launcher developed in the early 1960s. Its primary role is to provide suppressive fire for the division, counter anti-tank missile threats, and eliminate enemy positions on the immediate battlefield.
Newer versions of the system have a range of 30 kilometers or more, with warheads weighing approximately 20 kilograms.
Tanzanian forces historically used ‘Saba Saba’ guns to overthrow Ugandan leader Idi Amin in 1979.
Masisi has been a site of intense conflict between Congolese forces and M23 rebels in recent months. In February 2024, the rebels declared their intent to use force to challenge President Felix Tshisekedi’s grip on power after two top commanders were killed in drone strikes.
In a recent incident, M23 rebels fired at a United Nations helicopter in Eastern Congo, injuring two South African peacekeepers, one seriously. MONUSCO chief Bintou Keita warned M23 that attacks against peacekeepers could constitute a war crime.
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