The Alliance fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebellion has allowed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops to leave eastern DR Congo with their weapons and equipment.

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The South African-led SADC forces who surrendered after the rebels captured Goma, the capital of DR Congo’s North Kivu Province, in January, were part of the Congolese army coalition that also comprised hundreds of European mercenaries, Rwandan genocidal militias known as FDLR, Congolese ethnic militias called Wazalendo, Burundian armed forces, as well as UN peacekeepers. FDLR is a DR Congo-based terrorist militia founded by remnants of the masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Its plan is to return to Rwanda, forcefully, and continue its genocidal agenda.

The agreement on SADC troops’ withdraw was reached on Friday, March 28, during a meeting that was held between SADC and AFC/M23 senior representatives at Serena Hotel, in Goma. The meeting ended up with a deal that ensures the cessation of hostilities, a ceasefire, and the unconditional withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the city.

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Both sides agreed on several things including that the rebels facilitate immediate withdraw of SADC troops with their weapons and equipment leaving behind all the FARDC weapons and equipment in their possession.

According to the statement released by rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the rebels will also coordinate SADC troops’ "freedom of movement in preparation for withdraw in accordance with the principles agreed upon.”

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As noted, SADC will assist in repairing the airport to facilitate the safe and efficient withdrawal of its forces.