Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jacquemain Shabani stated that the settlement of a parallel administration and the influx of foreign populations into certain areas of North Kivu controlled by the armed group, allegedly with Rwandan support, are clear indicators of this intent.

Speaking to the press in Lubumbashi, Shabani highlighted the massive displacement of people due to violence, describing it as one of the world’s greatest catastrophes, with around seven million individuals currently in a refugee situation in the region, according to Radio Okapi. He noted that abandoned homes are being occupied by foreigners, and traditional authorities in several M23-controlled areas are being replaced. “We are in the process of verifying this information regarding the significant arrival of foreign populations settling in Rutshuru and Masisi territories. This is what ethnic cleansing entails,” he asserted.

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