The M23 rebels have threatened to attack the towns of Goma, Beni and Butembo in North Kivu province in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) , according to local sources.

Addressing the press on Monday, the civil society head, Thomas D'Aquin, said vehicles full of weapons were last Saturday seen moving towards M23 positions and that the deployment of the M23 fighters was observed on Sunday in the same region.

He appealed to Congolese authorities and the international community to take appropriate measures to protect the civilian population.

North Kivu official Julien Paluku said he had been informed of the threats and that appropriate measures had been taken.

The rebel group emerged in April 2012 and seized Goma late in the year. The M23 fighters withdrew from the town 10 days later under the pressure of Great Lakes countries for a peaceful solution. Endi

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