70. Concerning the recycling of ex-FDLR combatants back to the DRC in support of M23, the GoR claims that this is impossible because “the RDF Reserve is not an independent force, and would not be in a position to provide unilateral support to armed groups.”[132] In light of the Group’s conclusion that the Minister of Defence, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, and the Chief of Defence Staff are directly overseeing operations in the DRC and support to M23, whether or not the RDF Reserve force could conduct unilateral operations is irrelevant.
70. Concerning the recycling of ex-FDLR combatants back to the DRC in support of M23, the GoR claims that this is impossible because “the RDF Reserve is not an independent force, and would not be in a position to provide unilateral support to armed groups.”[132] In light of the Group’s conclusion that the Minister of Defence, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, and the Chief of Defence Staff are directly overseeing operations in the DRC and support to M23, whether or not the RDF Reserve force could conduct unilateral operations is irrelevant.