Congolese army seize rebel stronghold

THE Congolese army has seized a stronghold of the M23 rebel movement near Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Government troops backed by a UN force - which includes South African troops - took control of Munigi town, about 20km outside Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, local radio station Radio Okapi reported yesterday.

On Friday, an M23 leader said rebels would withdraw from the front line in the eastern DRC to pave the way for a ceasefire, but keep positions near Goma, which borders Rwanda.

The army pursued the M23 throughout their withdrawal, military spokesman Olivier Hamuli said.

"We are pursuing them to throw them off. We are relieved, especially for the population of Goma, which has been suffering under the bombardments," he told Radio Okapi.

M23 was formed last year by about 300 soldiers, mainly Tutsis, who deserted. A peace deal has remained elusive.