100 rebels turn in weapons in eastern Congo

5/30/2014

KINSHASA, Congo  — Officials say more than 100 fighters from a feared armed group in eastern Congo have handed over their weapons in a ceremony.

The surrender of arms took place today in Congo’s violent North Kivu province.

The president of the Rwandan Hutu rebel group known as the FDLR, Victor Byiringiro, said the move was aimed at contributing to peace in the region.

Congo’s government spokesman said today‘s ceremony was a step in the right direction but that the military is still waiting for more than 1,400 fighters to surrender.

The FDLR has been active in eastern Congo ever since the 1994 genocide in neighboring Rwanda, when perpetrators of the killings fled into Congo.

Eastern Congo is home to a myriad of armed groups vying for control in the mineral-rich region.