The capture of Goma, a key city in North Kivu Province also prompted officials to flee by boat to Bukavu.
Some government soldiers in Goma chose to surrender to M23, handing over their weapons, while others fled to Rwanda.
The soldiers who sought refuge in Rwanda were welcomed by security authorities in Rubavu District.
Over 20 individuals crossed the border with firearms, including ammunition, which they handed over to the Rwanda Defense Forces.
One of the Congolese soldiers who fled to Rwanda after the capture of Goma revealed that he surrendered because the FARDC forces were being defeated by M23.
He said, "I have arrived in Rwanda fleeing the state of war. We fought many battles, but M23 was winning. We came here to surrender to the [authorities]."
Alongside FARDC soldiers, United Nations personnel who were in Goma also sought refuge in Rwanda. They are expected to be taken to Kigali and accommodated in various hotels.
Currently, M23 controls the city of Goma and has declared the airspace closed, halting all activities on the Congolese side of Lake Kivu.
The group has urged Goma's residents to remain calm, assuring them that the city has been liberated and everything is under control.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/drc-soldiers-flee-to-rwanda
