Despite recent clashes, a senior member of the East African military force in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has urged displaced people to return home.
Col Denis Obiero, the commander of the Kenyan contingent, told Kibumba residents that they should encourage those who had fled to return.
Since the M23 rebels launched an offensive in North Kivu province last year, hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes.
The rebel group left Kibumba four months ago, but some locals claim they are still present in the surrounding areas.
Earlier this month, the group stated that it would not disarm unless direct talks were held with the Congolese government.
