{The rebel M23 Movement has started pulling out its combatants and military equipment from their stronghold positions in Eastern Congo towards the Virunga Mountains, saying DRC and its allied forces were employing a “scorched earth policy” in the restive Kivu region. }
“We strongly denounce the strategy used by the Congolese Government in the city of Kiwanja where it is using plain-clothed soldiers and militias such as FDLR to kill people and blame us for these atrocities,” said M23 publicist, Amani Kabasha.
He said these crimes were being committed with the help of the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade and Mayi Mayi. Sources said M23 military commander, Brig Sultani Makenga, on Sunday morning directed all his fighters to quit the frontlines “to avoid destruction of lives and property.”
Chimpreports understands that FARDC and allied forces used heavy weaponry including tanks to shell all towns being occupied by the rebels, leaving hundreds dead. It remains unclear if FARDC are moving closer to defeating the M23.
While FARDC officials maintain victory over the rebel Movement is around the corner, rebels say tanks used in plain areas during recent battles will not reach their new mountainous bases.
Observers say M23 must have failed to successfully confront the allied forces who are well equipped with latest tanks, night vision equipment and thousands of militants. The rebel movement’s strength is estimated at 2,000.
FARDC reportedly deployed 10,000 soldiers in Goma, including some from the elite brigades, to join forces with Tanzania and South African troops under the UN mandate against the rebels.
The M23 waged war in 2012, protesting discrimination and corruption in the army, lack of basic social services in Kivu and government’s failure to return Congolese refugees living in neighbouring countries.
Peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict have since stalled, with DRC insisting on rebels’ unconditional disarmament and their prosecution for alleged war crimes. The weekend clashes saw over 4,000 Congolese fleeing to Rwanda.
Source: {{chimpreports.com}}
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