UN peacekeeping chief Bintou Keita met with Rwanda-backed rebels about protecting people living under their control. The rebels told her they want peace after taking the major city of Goma during January fighting. Keita said she listened carefully during Friday talks about helping local residents. She called the meeting important for ongoing efforts to help the population. Photos showed her helicopter trip to the war zone and discussions with Congo River Alliance leaders.
The M23 rebel group has seized large areas from Congo's army this year. UN peacekeepers could not stop their advance across the mineral-rich eastern region. Rebels attacked some UN soldiers during their territorial gains. Hundreds of thousands of civilians fled their homes as fighting spread. Thousands of people died during the recent violence.
Airport closures at Goma and Kavumu cities have disrupted daily life. Many government workers and others stopped receiving their paychecks. South African troops began leaving Congo on Friday after losing 20 soldiers. The southern African military alliance sent forces to help Congo's army fight the rebels. Keita met with their commander Saturday to thank them for their support during difficult months.
The M23 rebel group has seized large areas from Congo's army this year. UN peacekeepers could not stop their advance across the mineral-rich eastern region. Rebels attacked some UN soldiers during their territorial gains. Hundreds of thousands of civilians fled their homes as fighting spread. Thousands of people died during the recent violence.
Airport closures at Goma and Kavumu cities have disrupted daily life. Many government workers and others stopped receiving their paychecks. South African troops began leaving Congo on Friday after losing 20 soldiers. The southern African military alliance sent forces to help Congo's army fight the rebels. Keita met with their commander Saturday to thank them for their support during difficult months.
