M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are reportedly holding civilians hostage for suspected collaboration with enemy militias as fighting erupted despite recent peace efforts.
The group, one of scores in the volatile region has conquered swathes of territory from the army and allied militias in North Kivu province in recent months and advanced towards its capital Goma.
A Tutsi-led movement, the M23 had lain dormant for years until it resumed fighting in late 2021, accusing the Congolese government of failing to honour a deal to integrate its fighters into the army.
