The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) yesterday transferred 20 fighters from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to Rwandan authorities in Kigali.
The handover occurred at the border crossing between Goma, DRC, and Gisenyi, Rwanda. M23 fighters escorted the individuals to the border post, where they were searched by Rwandan officers. Some of those handed over appeared too young to have participated in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Among those transferred were:
- General Ezechiel Gakwere: Accused in international reports of playing a significant role in the genocide of Tutsis in Butare, southern Rwanda.
- Major Gilbert Ndayambaje: Sentenced to life imprisonment by a DRC court in 2018 for crimes against humanity.
“There are a total of 20 FDLR soldiers commanded by a general. We are continuing to track down others hiding in the town of Goma,” M23 deputy spokesman Oscar Balinda told the press.
Rwanda has consistently cited the alleged presence of the FDLR, whose leaders were involved in the 1994 genocide, in eastern DRC as justification for its support of the M23.
The M23, with Rwandan backing, has seized significant territory in the DRC’s eastern region in recent months. This includes the capture of key provincial areas.
-AFP/Goma-
