Criticism mounts of regional force fighting M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo

In DR Congo, the regional force deployed by East African nations to stop the M23 rebels’ advance in the east of the country is coming under scrutiny. While the regional force maintains that the rebels are gradually withdrawing from the territories they conquered, dubious Congolese authorities are demanding a « truthful discussion » on the mandate of the East African Community’s force. On May 9, President Felix Tshisekedi expressed his disappointment, hinting that the troops could depart by the end of June. Our correspondents report.