Malawi arrest 8 DRC rebels for illegal entry in Karonga

Malawi Police in Karonga the northern border district are keeping in custody suspected Congolese rebels who are members of the M23 group, on suspicion on entering the country illegally on Wednesday.

The suspected M23 DRC rebels arrested in Malawi’s Karonga district.-Photo by Tiwonge Kumwenda, Nyasa Times

Police said the detained eight people were members of the M23 rebels hat launched a rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Karonga Police Officer in charge Edward Chingayipe would not say what evidence police collected to support their suspicions that they were M23 members.

Chingayipe identified some of the rebels as Amani Moseremu Richard 26 years, Sepa Museremu 21 years, Assumani Mosi Samora 19 years, Ombeni Malwibwine Malenga25 years and Deba Elisee 17 years.

According to Chingayipe the eight were re-arrested on Wednesday night after escaping from the department of immigration at Songwe border as they were claiming to be political asylum seekers.

“The eight were using uncharted routes and upon reaching at Songwe border, police apprehended them. After investigations we found out that they are members of M23 rebels of DRC,” said Chingayipe.

He said during interrogations, the DRC national admitted to be rebels who are seeking political asylum.

M23 is made up of former rebels who were integrated into the Congolese army in a 2009 peace agreement, but then deserted last year, complaining of discrimination and poor treatment.

Chingayipe said the eight will appear before court soon to answer charges of illegal entry.

Source http://www.nyasatimes.com/2015/01/15/malawi-arrest-8-drc-rebels-for-illegal-entry-in-karonga/?fdx_switcher=true