M23 rebels plan to take over the trading hub of Goma on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s border with Rwanda to force negotiations with the Congolese government, according to a report by a United Nations independent group of experts published Friday.
The rebels, who Congo says are backed by neighboring Rwanda, want amnesty, recovery of their assets, integration into the army and political positions, according to the report, which sources six captured M23 rebels and encompasses almost a year of investigation through April.
The prisoners said the goal of M23’s leader, Sultani Makenga, was “to attack and occupy Bunagana, Rutshuru and Rumangabo towns, cut off the strategic Goma-Rutshuru road, and then take Goma,” according to the report. While the rebels have yet to attack Goma, this week they took Bunagana, which borders Uganda, increasing tensions in the resource-rich region.
