Eastern Congo Truce Tested as M23 Rebels Begin Strategic Withdrawal

M23 rebels have started pulling fighters from Uvira. This Congolese town was seized earlier this month. The group’s leader confirmed the withdrawal on Wednesday.

Rebel spokesperson Willy Ngoma spoke to Reuters. He said the move is “for the sake of peace.” The group promises to complete the pullout by Thursday.

Videos on social media appear to show the movement. Combatants are seen in convoys at dusk. Reuters could not independently verify this footage.

The announcement follows intense international pressure. U.S. President Donald Trump recently hosted regional leaders. The meeting aimed to reaffirm a commitment to peace.

M23’s capture of Uvira was a major escalation. It happened just days after the Washington talks. The U.S. criticized the seizure as a threat to mediation.

The rebels say this is a unilateral trust-building step. They reference ongoing mediation efforts in Doha. The goal is to give those peace talks a chance to succeed.

Skepticism Grows Over Rebel Motives in Congo Conflict

Congolese officials are deeply skeptical of the withdrawal. Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya called it a “diversion.” He spoke to Reuters about the situation.

He alleges the move aims to relieve pressure on Rwanda. The government in Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing M23. The United Nations and Western governments share this accusation.

Rwanda consistently denies supporting the rebel group. A government spokesperson did not comment on the latest withdrawal news. Rwanda says its troops are in Congo for defensive purposes only.

Fighting continues daily in Congo’s volatile east. Army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge confirmed this to Reuters. He said there is not a single day without combat in North and South Kivu provinces.

Residents in Uvira remain cautious. One anonymous resident said they must wait for daylight to confirm the rebels are gone. Previous promises of withdrawal had raised and then dashed hopes.

The conflict has caused widespread displacement and suffering. M23 staged a rapid military advance earlier this year. The group’s actions have destabilized the entire region.

A Long Road to Lasting Peace

Mediation efforts face a significant challenge. Trust between the warring parties is extremely low. Each side publicly questions the other’s commitments.

The Washington Accords provide a framework for peace. Their implementation has been stalled by repeated violence. The withdrawal from Uvira is a critical early test of goodwill.

International observers will watch the situation closely. Verified compliance is essential for the next steps. The people of eastern Congo await a durable solution.

The promised M23 rebels withdrawal represents a fragile opening. Its completion and permanence will determine the next phase of a complex peace process. The world is watching to see if actions will finally match words in Congo.