December 20, 2014

1000+ M23 ex fighters escape Ugandan military academy/ Western Uganda

Ex- rebel fighters from the Democratic Republic of Congo are seen at the grounds of the Nkoma district county headquarters surrounded by Ugandan security forces, Western Uganda. Approximately 1000 ex-fighters of the March 23rd movement, (M23) fled Bihanga military training school in disagreement with a repatriation attempt by the Ugandan government, in line with the Nairobi peace agreement signed late December 2013. The ex combatants walked armed with rocks and sticks almost 24 hours towards a UNHCR led Refugee settlement, Rwamwanja seeking asylum. The settlement houses those displaced by the group mid 2014- causing panic and discomfort to both the refugees and host community.  (© Rebecca Vassie/ AP)