DRC: M23 has not begun its withdrawal from North Kivu

M23 soldiers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The rebels had until January 15 to leave their positions in North Kivu.

(illustrative image) © REUTERS - James Akena

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

The M23 armed group had until Sunday to leave all its positions in North Kivu, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The rebels were to regroup at Sabyinyo, on the border between the DRC, Uganda and Rwanda, the historical position of the movement.

Two days after this deadline, we are not heading at all towards a massive withdrawal.

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All sources, civil society, security and military, contacted in recent hours are unanimous: the rebels have not begun their withdrawal.

There was nevertheless movement: the M23 would have left its positions in the northeast of Rutshuru, towards Nyamilima.

According to our sources, it is to strengthen its presence towards Tongo, west side on the other side of the Virunga park, area where the locality of Kishishe is located.

However, the imminent withdrawal of the M23 from Kishishe has been announced by the East African regional force since the beginning of January.

Not because it is a militarily strategic locality, but above all because of the events that took place there at the end of November.

According to the Congolese government, the M23 committed a massacre in the town

.

The UN, for its part, mentions 131 victims.

The M23 has always firmly denied and speaks of the unfortunate death of 8 civilians.

An independent investigation is therefore needed to shed light on what happened.

This is where there is currently a disagreement, since the M23 first wants investigations before handing Kishishe over to the regional force.

► To read also: The DRC asks the ICC to open an investigation into the killing of Kishishe

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