M23 is among scores of armed groups that have turned eastern DRC into one of Africa's most violent regions.

Under the Atmis drawdown plan, the troops were to begin gradual withdrawal beginning with 2,000 soldiers.

Charges against the 18 include acts of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, criminal concealment and illegal possession of firearms.

Zimbabweans are already enduring rolling power cuts that last up to 12 hours a day.

Jiang is survived by his wife Wang Yeping and two sons.

In Europe, almost half of all democracies, or 17 countries, suffered democratic erosion in the last five years.