The reality of the rebels’ withdrawal from occupied areas in Rutshuru, North Kivu, raises questions. While the regional force of the EAC (East African Community) is supposed to have recovered the locality of Kibumba, about twenty kilometers from Goma, since December 23, 2022, and announced that the movement was preparing to withdraw from Rumangabo by January 5, the information coming from the field is more nuanced.
This Tuesday, several civilian and military sources made the same observation: the withdrawal of the M23 from Kibumba is not 100% effective. ” They barely left 10% of the locality “, explains a civil society leader. While a group leader adds that the M23 cleared the road only up to the level of the so-called three antennas area. ” Their presence remains visible, especially along the border with Rwanda “, he says.
This group leader wonders about the January 5 deadline. A few days ago, the East African force announced, following a meeting with the M23, that the rebels had pledged to move north and withdraw by Thursday January 5 from the main camp. soldier from Rumangabo taken from the Congolese soldiers in mid-November.
► To read also: DRC: the Rumangabo camp, in Rutshuru, on the verge of a humanitarian crisis
A withdrawal that therefore raises questions. The M23 has not yet made a statement even if its leaders say they are in a meeting to discuss this deadline.
As the fighting continues. They were reported at the exit of the locality of Kisharo, on the road which leads to the border post of Ishasa towards Uganda. One of the last border posts that escape the M23 in this territory of Rutshuru.