'It is true, the current crisis had displaced around 60,000 people, many attempting to seek refuge in neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda since April. At this moment the M23 rebels are controlling half of the Rutshuru zone where it has established a headquarters and appointed civilian staff to govern the area.
It would be impossible to guess what their next target would be if negotiations fail. At this time M23 are appearing to favor diplomacy over war, and their apparent observation of a ceasefire demonstrates a desire for their movement to be recognized by the international community.
Goma town is calm at this time, and in my view the situation will not dramatically alter, nor will people be affected as they were further afield, due to the large scale United Nations peace keeping mission based here.'
