The situation in Congo-Kinshasa

M23 withdraws from Congo-Kinshasa – unclear why

The M23 guerrilla movement has withdrawn from the town of Sange in eastern Congo-Kinshasa, reports Africa News.

The group confirms the movements, but it is still unclear what they are due to. The US has been trying for months to achieve a lasting ceasefire between M23 and the government with fairly limited success.

M23 confirms the withdrawal to AFP, but does not give any reasons.

Joy when the guerrillas leave: “Schoolchildren celebrate”

The town of Sange in Congo-Kinshasa is breathing a sigh of relief after the M23 guerrilla movement withdrew from the town without explanation, reports AFP.

– There is truly a feeling of jubilation in the air. Young people, women, children – even schoolchildren – are celebrating right now, one of the residents told the news agency.

According to previous reports, life in the areas conquered by M23 has been characterized by both strict control and recurring abuses by soldiers.

The city of Sange is said to have fallen back into the hands of government forces after M23 left it. 

M23 wants to start selling minerals to the US: “Let’s talk”

The M23 guerrilla movement in Congo-Kinshasa wants to start selling critical earth minerals to the US. This is reported by The Economist, which has met with leaders of the movement and seen a draft of the proposal.

“The minerals are in our region ... come, let’s talk,” says Corneille Nangaa, leader of the M23 political branch.

An agreement could mean a much-needed influx of money to the relatively isolated areas controlled by the guerrilla movement and also strengthen their legitimacy in the eyes of the outside world. According to The Economist, M23 is also concerned that the US will continue to strengthen ties with the government.

Whether the proposal has been presented to the US is still unclear.