Congo M23 rebels hand back army base amid suspected ceasefire breaches elsewhere

C ongo’s M23 rebel group on Friday began a phased withdrawal from an occupied army and U.N. base in eastern North Kivu province, part of a ceasefire brokered by regional leaders that analysts suspect is being breached in other parts of the country.
A ceremonial handover to East African Community (EAC) forces marked the start of the M23’s departure from the strategic military town of Rumangabo, 40 km north of the regional capital Goma, which the rebels seized at the end of October.
“The takeover of Rumangabo signifies yet another critical milestone on the ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability in the east,” EAC General Emmanuel Kapita said.
But doubts have been cast over the credibility of a similar handover ceremony in North Kivu’s Kibumba area on Dec. 23.