This timeline, featuring embedded photos and documents, tracks key events from the creation of the CNDP to the present day. Browse through the timeline to view the series of violent acts, negotiations, and international actions that led to the disbandment of the M23 on November 7, 2013.
The National Congress for the Defense of the People, or CNDP, and the DRC Government sign a peace accord aiming to resolve crises in eastern DRC and achieve lasting peace throughout the country. The Accord states that the CNDP, led by Bosco Ntaganda, will end its military movement, integrate into FARDC, and become a political party. In addition, the CNDP and DRC government mutually agree to take steps to integrate CNDP into national government structures and the government will pass an amnesty law for former rebels.
General Ntaganda, now a senior officer in the FARDC, leads a mutiny of 300 former rebels in North Kivu, citing poor living conditions, bad wages, and the unwillingness of the government to implement details of the March 23 deal. The defectors clash with Congolese loyalists in Rusthuru, north of the provincial capital of Goma. This rebel movement to the March accords will become known as M23.
Mutineers in eastern Congo proclaim that Colonel Sultani Makenga will lead the M23, removing General Ntaganda from a leadership role. Analysts say this switch was made to protect Ntaganda from allegations of war crimes.
The United Nations Security Council issues a statement condemning M23’s mutiny and calling on neighboring countries to prevent the armed group from attaining outside assistance. The statement urges the region to cooperate with the DRC in demobilizing the M23 and expresses concern for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country.
The Security Council adopts Resolution 2053, which extends MONUSCO's mandate until June 30, 2013, and reaffirms that protection of civilians must take priority.
A leaked UN expert report alleges that Rwandan officials have given “direct assistance” in launching the M23, as well as helping the group procure weapons, recruit soldiers, and develop logistics.
The M23 seize Bunagana, a key population center and trading town in eastern Congo, bordering Uganda.
The M23 take over the major towns of Rutshuru and Rumangabo as they force their way through North Kivu.
United Nations and DRC send troops to reinforce Goma out of alarm for M23 advancement toward the city. Thousands of refugees flee in anticipation of the violence. A UN official describes a UN takeover of Goma as “disastrous.”
M23 soldiers warn of a march on Goma if DRC forces continue attacking civilians expressing allegiance to Rwanda.
