FRESH FIGHTING ERUPTS IN RUTSHURU AS M23 REBELS REJECT ULTIMATUM

By Kweronda Ambrose
DRC

Fighting between Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) troops and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels yesterday erupted in Rutshuru territory, just a few hours to the expiry of the withdrawal order by mediating African leaders.

After a meeting on Wednesday this week in Angola’s capital Luanda, Tete António Angolan Foreign Minister released a statement affirming that the leaders from DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Angola, and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta who is mediating the crisis signed an agreement declaring an immediate cease-fire of fighting.

M23 rebels were given 48 hours to withdraw from all captured positions to gazetted ones of Tchanzu and Runyoni. The ultimatum ends this Friday evening at 06:00 PM.

The agreement also involves the cessation of all support to armed groups, M23, Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) as well as the resumption of dialogue between Rwanda and the DRC leading to the normalization of diplomatic relations.

M23 rebels are also required to hand over all fighting equipment. According to the final communication, if the M23 refuses to disengage, the East African Heads of State will instruct the regional force to use force to induce them to submit.

However, fighting which had paused for about two days resumed yesterday in Chumba locality, Bishusha groupement, Bwito chiefdom, Rutshuru territory.

Fighting also happened in Rusekera, Swagara villages, and Kabarozi hill same grouping, according to very reliable local sources. A local source told our reporter that FARDC soldiers launched an attack using heavy and light weapons against rebel positions in the area from 0708hrs.

Fresh fighting has caused the movement of civilians towards Kitshanga and other villages in Masisi territory. Both rebels and government troops are yet to release an official statement about the fresh fighting.

M23 rebels are also yet to withdraw from their positions, in accordance with Luanda agreement.

Lawrence Kanyuka, M23 rebels’ political spokesperson says in a statement that M23 is aware of the Luanda documents through social media. He says that since they were not at the summit, the document does not concern them.