Leader of M23, Sultani Makenga
By: Richard Polley
The M23 revolt is the latest uprising in Democratic Republic of Congo’s mineral-rich east.
The group accuses the government of failing to hold up its end of a March 23, 2009 peace deal – from which it takes its name – and has sought to gain popular support by tapping into public frustration over the slow pace of reforms in Congo.
In January, it declared a unilateral ceasefire.
M23 agreed to leave Goma and had peace talks with the DR Congo government in Uganda, said Zack Zabawa, SUNY Fredonia student.
The talks could run into trouble if the M23 mediation team splits between supporters of Mr Runiga and Col Makenga, said BBC reporter.
About 800,000 people have been displaced in fighting since May 2012.
Both Rwanda and Uganda strongly deny claims that they back the rebels. U.N. experts strongly accuse Rwanda.
M23 has controlled Rutshuru since July and has made it a central administrative zone for the movement. The town, in North Kivu province, is close to the Ugandan and Rwandan borders.
The region’s mineral riches have been plundered by numerous armed groups and countries over the past 15 years, while most Congolese people remain mired in poverty.
African leaders signed a U.N. mediated deal on Sunday (2/24/13) paving the way for the deployment of military brigades.
M23 has a makeover,
They are now conciser liberators of the Congolese:
World Citizen 