UN-backed offensive forces Congolese rebels to surrender
8 Nov 2013 5:11 AM IST
Kinshasa, emboldened by its biggest military victory in half a century, said its forces would keep up the momentum to go after Rwandan Hutu militia also active in the region.
A statement by the M23 that it would ‘end its rebellion’ and instead pursue its goals ‘through purely political means’ came after 200 or so holdout rebels were routed from their hilltop positions overnight.
‘It’s a total victory for the DRC,’ said government spokesman Lambert Mende, adding that the routed rebels had fled to neighbouring Rwanda. A local official said the M23’s top commander Sultani Makenga was among them. ‘The M23 no longer have the capabilities to return, ever. They have burnt their own weapons,’ said one army officer.
A statement by the M23 that it would ‘end its rebellion’ and instead pursue its goals ‘through purely political means’ came after 200 or so holdout rebels were routed from their hilltop positions overnight.
‘It’s a total victory for the DRC,’ said government spokesman Lambert Mende, adding that the routed rebels had fled to neighbouring Rwanda. A local official said the M23’s top commander Sultani Makenga was among them. ‘The M23 no longer have the capabilities to return, ever. They have burnt their own weapons,’ said one army officer.
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