What you need to know
The swift advance of M23, one of more than 100 rebels operating inside eastern DR Congo, comes on the back of Kinshasa cutting ties with regional forces in favour of Southern African and UN forces
The M23 rebel group has announced its capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, marking a significant shift in the region’s conflict.
In a statement issued by the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), the political wing of M23, the group declared the city’s “liberation” and urged calm among residents.
“The liberation of the city has been successfully carried out, and the situation is under control,” said Lawrence Kanyuka, M23’s communication focal point.
The group demanded the immediate surrender of government soldiers, with a deadline for all FARDC military personnel to hand over their weapons to MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping mission, or face unspecified consequences.
The capture of Goma comes after the rebels gave the Congolese army FARDC a 3am deadline to handover over their weapons and assembly at a stadium.
Pictures shared on social media show many soldiers believed to be members of the national army handing over their weapons to MONUSCO.
Full story: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/239305/m23-rebels-seize-goma
