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Kampala — The civilian head of Congo’s vanquished M23 rebel movement says hundreds of rebels are stuck in Uganda as they await confirmation of amnesty from Congo’s government.
Rene Abandi said on Thursday that he expects Congo to “widen” the list of those under consideration for amnesty, one of the sticking points between both sides before they signed a peace deal late last year.
More than 600 M23 rebels – including their UN-sanctioned commander, Sultani Makenga — fled to Uganda last year after facing military pressure from Congolese and UN forces.
Congo’s president earlier this year declared amnesty for about 50 former rebels and insurgents, including at least 15 former M23 rebels.
Congo’s government insists rebel leaders like Makenga can’t get amnesty for alleged crimes committed during fighting in eastern Congo. — AP
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