The Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 Mars (AFC/M23) has repatriated more than 500 Burundian refugees.
In a statement issued on Monday, Lawrence Kanyuka, Head of the M23 Communication Department, called on the Government of Burundi to ensure the safe and unhindered return of Congolese refugees who fled their homes following indiscriminate bombardments by coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime, particularly in Sange, Luvungi, and Katogota.
Kanyuka also expressed M23’s readiness to hand over captured Burundian military personnel and declared a unilateral ceasefire aimed at facilitating the safe and dignified return of displaced Congolese citizens.
Addressing concerns about armed groups hostile to Burundi operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kanyuka emphasized that M23 would prevent such groups from using liberated areas as bases for activities that could harm bilateral relations between the two countries.
He condemned the continued attacks by Kinshasa coalition forces in Masisi, Walikale, and Minembwe, which have caused civilian casualties and mass displacement, reaffirming M23’s commitment to defending and protecting the Congolese population from all threats.
