SADC troops started leaving North Kivu in Congo after M23 rebels beat them in Goma. They pulled out on Tuesday through Rwanda at the Rubavu border crossing with trucks full of weapons. Rwandan soldiers escorted them to unknown places inside Rwanda. M23 sources told reporters the departing forces asked to leave quietly without media around. Neither side made public statements about the exit.
The withdrawal comes after Goma fell to rebels in January. SADC forces from Tanzania and South Africa stayed at bases in Goma and Mugunga until this week. Earlier this month, both sides agreed to a ceasefire that let SADC keep their weapons and use the damaged Goma airport for departure. Peace talks continue in Qatar despite new fighting that broke out Tuesday across South Kivu province. M23 rebels control large areas of North and South Kivu, Goma city, Bukavu, Goma airport, and Kavumu airport.
M23 says they fight against corruption and discrimination in Congo. The DRC government claims Rwanda supports the rebels. Both Rwanda and M23 deny these claims. The rebel group restarted its fight in 2022 under leaders Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga.
The withdrawal comes after Goma fell to rebels in January. SADC forces from Tanzania and South Africa stayed at bases in Goma and Mugunga until this week. Earlier this month, both sides agreed to a ceasefire that let SADC keep their weapons and use the damaged Goma airport for departure. Peace talks continue in Qatar despite new fighting that broke out Tuesday across South Kivu province. M23 rebels control large areas of North and South Kivu, Goma city, Bukavu, Goma airport, and Kavumu airport.
M23 says they fight against corruption and discrimination in Congo. The DRC government claims Rwanda supports the rebels. Both Rwanda and M23 deny these claims. The rebel group restarted its fight in 2022 under leaders Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga.
