Hundreds of police officers join M23 rebels in Bukavu, Congo

Hundreds of Congolese police officers have joined the M23 rebel group in Bukavu, following the rebels' recent capture of the city. The police are set to undergo retraining under the M23, which is backed by Rwanda. Around 1,800 police have surrendered, with an additional 500 expected to follow. The M23's advance has raised concerns about escalating conflict in eastern Congo, prompting a unanimous call from the U.N. Security Council for the rebels to cease hostilities. In related developments, the Tutsi militia allied with the M23 captured Minembwe and its airfield. East African defense chiefs met to discuss the situation, noting a lack of clarity on the ground amid the ongoing crisis.