GOMA, Congo—A spokesman for the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo says the group detained more than 100 people who claimed the rebels were responsible for thefts.

Amani Kabasha

Kabasha Amani said the 110 people, mostly young men, were detained during a pro-rebel rally Saturday in the town of Rutshuru to “prevent ethnic tensions degenerating.” He said 80 people were quickly released and the rest would be released by the evening.

Rutshuru resident Kahindo Lusenge told a local radio station the young men spoke out after being ordered by M23 to attend the pro-rebel rally. He said those detained were taken to a nearby prison.

M23 formed last year and briefly captured the town of Goma last November. Fighting between the rebels and government resumed this month after several months of relative calm.