Congolese M23 rebels begin to withdraw from occupied areas: Regional force

KIGALI, Rwanda

The East African Community Regional Force announced Friday that Congolese M23 fighters have begun to withdraw from occupied areas in eastern Congo (DRC).

“The M23 withdrawal and subsequent takeover of East African Community Regional Force in areas under their control is a positive indicator that the agreed upon strategy of restoration of normalcy in eastern DRC are on course, challenges therein notwithstanding,” the bloc’s force said in a statement.

The regional force reiterated “the need for an elaborate mechanism for an orderly withdrawal of the rebels from all areas under their control, an immediate cessation of hostilities by all armed groups, but most importantly, respect for the Sovereignty and territorial Integrity of the DRC.”

Last month, the M23 rebellion had taken control of several territories northeast of the provincial capital of Goma, following intense fighting with Congolese forces, forcing thousands of civilians to flee.

African leaders at a mini-summit in Angola in November reached an agreement for a cease-fire and demanded “the immediate withdrawal of M23 rebels from the occupied areas.”

Earlier Friday, the rebels announced the beginning of the withdrawal from Kibumba, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Goma.

“We hope that the government of Kinshasa will seize this opportunity with two hands and will also work to bring peace to our country,” M23 said in a statement.

The Congo has accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a charge Kigali denies as “scapegoating.”