Reason why M23 pulled out of the battlefield around Goma

Details have emerged as to why the rebel M23 Movement has decided to pull out its militants from the frontlines especially in the areas of Kanyarucinya and Rubavu.

M23 political leader Bertrand Bisiimwa told press in Eastern DRC on Friday that they were withdrawing from the battlefield to allow fresh investigations into the shelling of Rwanda by DRC forces (FARDC).

He vehemently refuted rumours that the move was precipitated by heavy fatalities on the frontlines.

However, security sources told Chimpreports that the rebels not only want to remobilise and consolidate their strongholds but also deny the invaders justification for their attacks.

“The M23’s withdrawal comes with a huge price in terms of life but it is worth it as we endeavour to compel the international community to woo DRC back to the round table for a political settlement of the conflict,” said a source.

“We are also exposing President Joseph Kabila’s hypocrisy and determination to pursue the military path in settling political conflicts. They have been attacking us, saying we crossed into a security zone around Goma – now that we have pulled out what justification will they have to launch mortars at our positions?”

For the last two weeks, the allied forces of DRC, Tanzania, South Africa and UN Intervention Brigade have been shelling the M23 positions.

The rebel group responded by calling for a ceasefire and is said to have only been on the defensive.

The leader of the M23 delegation in Kampala, Rene Abandi on Thursday called for fresh negotiations and ceasefire to avoid destruction of life and property.

A UN peacekeeper and several troops from Tanzania and South Africa have since been killed and others injured in the recent clashes.

There are reports that on August 28, bodies of DRC government soldiers were piling up at a mortuary in Goma.

M23 says it lost only 12 fighters.

Source:Congo DRC News!