38 M23 rebel fighters surrender to Congolese army in eastern DRC
## Security Update: M23 Rebel Group Surrender
Security Update: M23 Rebel Group Surrender
Almost 40 members of the M23 rebel group have surrendered in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as reported by military officials on Mon, Oct 16, 2023.
The individuals who surrendered were civilians, soldiers, and police officers who had been kidnapped and forcibly conscripted during the capture of Goma and Bukavu by M23 earlier this year. The surrender took place in North Kivu province, Kalehe, and South Kivu, including two officers. An army commander has urged other rebels to surrender as well.
Last week, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and M23 reached an agreement to establish an oversight body for a potential permanent ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. The agreement was facilitated in Doha following mediation by Qatar.
Almost 40 members of the M23 rebel group have surrendered in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as reported by military officials on Mon, Oct 16, 2023.
This agreement builds on a declaration of principles signed in July aimed at restoring state authority in eastern Congo.
The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, is among over 100 armed groups fighting for control in the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of 7 million people, contributing to what the United Nations describes as a complex and severe humanitarian crisis.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
