The army within the Democratic Republic of Congo is reporting heavy fighting with ex-soldiers who've formed a rebel force.
Officials said the fighting broke out late Thursday near the city of Bunagana inside the troubled North Kivu province.
The mutineers say they're members of M23, an offshoot of the CNDP (National Congress for the Defense of the folks) rebel group led by ex-soldier Bosco Ntaganda. The offshoot, M23, is led by his close ally Sultani Makenga.
Pro-Ntaganda soldiers began deserting the military early last month, complaining of low pay and tough conditions within the military.
Fighting erupted between the rebels and the army in late April. The army instituted a five-day cease-fire that ended Wednesday, in hopes of having one of the most mutineers to re-join the military.
Officials say many mutineers have returned, however the rebels are still fighting.
Ntaganda is in hiding. He's wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
The United Nations says thousands of individuals have fled North Kivu to flee the violence, some going to neighboring Uganda. The military desertions have left much of both North and South Kivu without regular military protection.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
From WhatNewsToday.net
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