2 years, 4 months ago

Talks begin on disarmament of rebel groups in eastern Congo

NAIROBI, Kenya — The third round of Congo peace talks facilitated by the East Africa regional bloc opened in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, on Monday with a plan to discuss reforms that will facilitate disarmament of rebel groups. Kenyan President William Ruto and Burundi’s Évariste Ndayishimiye attended the Monday opening session in person, while the presidents of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda attended virtually. The M23 rebel group rose to prominence a decade ago when its fighters seized Goma, the largest city in Congo’s east, which sits along the border with Rwanda. But many observers say M23 and other armed groups operating in eastern Congo are now seeking control of the region’s vast mineral wealth.

Associated Press

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