The M23 rebels have increased their manpower and weapons following the successful recruitment of 900 new elements in the territory of Rutshuru, North Kivu Province.
Chirac Mafula, president of the youth parliament of the chiefdom of Bwito, has confirmed that several youths in Rutshuru have resorted to join the M23 rebels to earn a living and security.
Mafula says the M23 have gained more strength and are likely to cease more territories as as evidenced in the five new clashes that occurred last week between the rebels and local armed groups, in the territories of Rutshuru and Masisi.
These incidents have occurred despite a ceasefire to which both parties committed to respect in the face of the ongoing conflict.
