Over 110,000 displaced people leave camps in eastern Congo as rebels force closures

Over 110,000 displaced people have left camps in eastern Congo after rebels, backed by Rwanda, forcibly closed the settlements. The M23 rebels captured Goma in late January, escalating ongoing violence and displacing many more. The U.N. reported that the rebels issued a 72-hour ultimatum for people to return to their villages. Although the rebels later stated that returns should be voluntary, many families are leaving without assistance. The situation remains tense, with ongoing fighting reported between M23 and government forces. The rebels have threatened action in response to violence in Bukavu, about 50 kilometers away.