Thousands of Rwandan troops have started to leave Democratic Republic of Congo five weeks after they crossed the border to attack Hutu rebels, BBC Online reports Wednesday.
A ceremony has been held in the main eastern Congolese city of Goma, to mark their withdrawal.
Rwanda’s foreign minister says the joint operation “seriously weakened” the FDLR rebels but a BBC correspondent says civilians paid a heavy price.
Rwanda has twice invaded its larger neighbour, saying it must take action against the mainly Hutu forces. But in January, the two countries agreed to take joint action against the FDLR.
More than 3.000 Rwandans entered DR Congo in January. Officials say they will all leave by the end of this week.
