The Congolese M23 rebel group announced today that it was ending its armed rebellion against the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Hours after government forces drove its fighters out of their last two hilltop bases of Tshanzu and Ruyoni, the group announced that it would disarm and pursue political talks.
Outlining the groups intention to disarm, the M23 leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, said,
“The chief of general staff and commanders of all major units are requested to prepare troops for disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration on terms to be agreed with the government of Congo.”
Responding to the M23 announcement, Congolese government spokesman, Laurent Mende, outlined,
“In a region that has suffered so much, this is obviously a significant positive step in the right direction.”