In a significant development in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the rebel movement M23 has announced its withdrawal from the strategically important city of Uvira. This move comes following requests from American mediators who have been actively engaged in resolving tensions between the M23 and the Congolese armed forces.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, follows a day after U.S. mediators approached the rebel group, urging them to leave Uvira. The city holds a key position near the borders of Burundi and Rwanda, making it a critical strategic location in the ongoing conflict.
Over the past year, M23 has clashed with Congolese forces in a conflict marked by intense fighting, widespread destruction, and severe humanitarian consequences. The fighting has displaced and affected hundreds of thousands of civilians in the region, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
Notably, the M23 was excluded from a U.S.-brokered peace agreement signed in Washington on December 4th by the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda, both of whom have faced accusations of backing the rebel group. Following this agreement, the M23 captured Uvira, escalating tensions just days after the formal peace deal.
In its statement, the rebel movement emphasized that the withdrawal is being carried out “for the sake of peace,” and reports indicate that their forces have already begun leaving the town voluntarily. The operation is expected to be fully completed by Thursday, signaling a potential easing of tensions in the region.
This development underscores the continuing role of international diplomacy, particularly U.S. mediation, in influencing conflict dynamics in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Observers are watching closely to see whether this withdrawal will pave the way for broader peace talks that include all key stakeholders, including M23 itself.