New Vision (Kampala)

Congo-Kinshasa: M23 Rebels Set Terms for Resumption of Talks

Photo: UNHCR
Displaced (file photo).

The M23 rebels have agreed to resume dialogue with the DR Congo government Kampala on January 4, but on condition that Kinshasa signs a ceasefire and stops reinforcing the FADRC defences.

The leader, Jean-Marie Runiga told journalists in Bunagana on Thursday, "If they don't (DRC government) sign a ceasefire at the Kampala talks, our delegation will come back. We are ready to defend ourselves if they attack us."

Runiga said that M23 promises peace in the New Year as long as the Congolese government resist from what he called 'propagating rumors.' He said that resumption of talks on January 4th is significant because it will be a national holiday when Congolese commemorate those who died for their independence.

"We respect those who died for our country; and it's not true that we are working for the balkanization of Congo. We are a revolutionary movement in Congo and we will not waiver in our quest for liberation of Congo," Runiga said.

He said that as the M23 delegation moves to Kampala, the FADRC soldiers are sending reinforcements are to the areas of Goma, Mudja, Rusayo, Kanyaki, Tongo, Rwindi, Ishasha, Nyamirima and Sharu, with support from the Hutu FDLR and Mai mai militia.

"We are observing flights in areas that M23 controlled. This is a provocation. MONUSCO confirms that over 4,000 FDLR have been dropped by Congolese government in some of these places," Runiga said.

Commenting on the recent sanctions by the UN Security Council against him, Runiga said that the Security Council did not have proof and the rebels were not given a chance.

"M23 has been asking for dialogue and ceasefire, but we are being paid by sanctions. We respect the UN, but it is better they go for an investigation because we don't trust NGOs which give them these reports," he said.

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Comments Post a comment

  • mulumbapaul13
    Jan 3 2013, 12:21

    How can you have ceasefire with people whose officers the UN has labeled as human rights abusers? The M23 need to explain their grievances but the DRC should reserve the right to eradicate negative forces who loot, murder and commit rape on DRC soil.

  • mollypot
    Jan 3 2013, 14:08

    Right now, as we speak, M23 is squatting on Congo territory, holding children hostage, raping them daily and killing them if they do not agree to become child soldiers. This behavior will never be condoned. M23 release the hostages and get out of Congo!

  • kibedidavis
    Jan 4 2013, 22:56

    Dear readers please I want you to be fair and sincere because we are tired of false accusation against M23, the truth is that the M23 they are Congolese rebels who are fighting for their rights tired of being discriminated, killed by other Congolese tribes, the whole problem comes from accusing them aiding Kabila during the fall of Mobutu seseko power, since then they decided to harass the Congolese Tutsi relating them to Rwandese Tutsi from Rwanda, ladies and Gentlemen, UN experts and NGO please look at the fact and cause of these mutinies rebeles in Congo, the problem is internal by its self , and the only person who can solve these problems is Kabila, otherwise stop pointing a finger to the M23 rebels and neighboring country like Rwanda bse first of all Rwanda is accommodating almost 7,000 Refugees bse of their passionate and kind they take care of these Congolese people while inside Congo the Tutsi Congolese people are getting murdered every single day and no Human rights talking about this, ? Its very pity and sad...The whole world should understand the M23 rights and grievances..plz plz help M23 stop accusing neighboring countries the Congolese soldiers are indispline all they do is to rape and kill innocent cuvilians

  • kibedidavis
    Jan 4 2013, 23:32

    Dear readers please I want you to be fair and sincere because we are tired of false accusation against M23, the truth is that the M23 they are Congolese rebels who are fighting for their rights tired of being discriminated, killed by other Congolese tribes, the whole problem comes from accusing them aiding Kabila during the fall of Mobutu seseko power, since then they decided to harass the Congolese Tutsi relating them to Rwandese Tutsi from Rwanda, ladies and Gentlemen, UN experts and NGO please look at the fact and cause of these mutinies rebeles in Congo, the problem is internal by its self , and the only person who can solve these problems is Kabila, otherwise stop pointing a finger to the M23 rebels and neighboring country like Rwanda bse first of all Rwanda is accommodating almost 7,000 Refugees bse of their passionate and kind they take care of these Congolese people while inside Congo the Tutsi Congolese people are getting murdered every single day and no Human rights talking about this, ? Its very pity and sad...The whole world should understand the M23 rights and grievances..plz plz help M23 stop accusing neighboring countries the Congolese soldiers are indispline all they do is to rape and kill innocent civilians

InFocus

Congo Govt and Rebels to Resume Talks

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The M23 rebels group have agreed to continue peace talks with government, but have set conditions for the meeting. Read more »