| Colonel Sultani Makenya (Head of rebel M23 group) |
One of the leaders of the M23 rebels said the civilians were being targeted for their allegiance to neighbouring Rwanda, and denied allegations made by the UN and DRC government that the ethnic Tutsi rebel group was being backed by Rwanda.
The UN said peacekeepers were being redeployed to Goma and reiterated a determination that the 19,000 strong peace force would protect population centres from the advancing mutineers.
Last Thursday, the Warrior office in Goma provided the following update:
" It is true that the rebels are meeting minimal resistance along their advance. They are currently 14km from Rutshuru, which has not yet fallen. The Congolese population feel that their government has failed them by not containing the rebels, and yesterday (11th July) decided to unleash their anger on innocent Rwandese living in Goma Town, blaming them for the instability in the region. The situation however became relatively calm after 24 hours."