Rwanda-Backed Rebels Dig In by Recruiting Civilians in Congo
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The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has consolidated control over the two largest cities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, effectively setting up a proto-state in the mineral-rich region and forcibly recruiting soldiers and civilians.
The M23 has added about 4,000 Congolese soldiers and fighters from local armed groups, with hundreds of civil servants sent for indoctrination at remote bases, according to three Western officials, three United Nations officials and one humanitarian worker in the region. They asked not to be identified either for fear of reprisals, or because they’re not authorized to speak publicly.