M23 rebel combatants surrender to FARDC in South Kivu

Thirteen combatants from the M23/Twirwaneho/Red-Tabara rebel coalition have surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in the Fizi territory of South Kivu.

The defections occurred in the localities of Abala, Mulima, and Kimete following military responses and drone strikes. According to Sous-Lieutenant Mbuyi Kalondji Regean, spokesperson for the Sukola 2 South operations, the group includes a young member of the Banyamulenge community formerly with the Twirwaneho group.

Upon surrender, ten individuals were taken to the command post for moral rearmament, while three others were transported to a hospital for medical treatment. One defector urged remaining M23 members to abandon armed struggle to facilitate peace in the region.