The M23 rebel group, which launched an offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has announced it will withdraw its forces from the town of Walikale, a strategic area it seized earlier this week. The decision was made in support of ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict, according to a statement released on Saturday by the Congo River Alliance, a coalition that includes the M23.
The alliance stated it had “decided to reposition its forces” from Walikale and surrounding areas, aligning with a ceasefire declared in February and backing broader peace initiatives. However, the announcement was met with skepticism by Congolese military officials, who remain cautious about the rebels' intentions.
Skepticism Over M23’s Commitment to Peace
The M23’s withdrawal comes amid heightened tensions following the group’s last-minute decision to pull out of planned peace talks with Congolese authorities in Angola earlier this week. The rebels cited European Union sanctions imposed on some of their leaders and Rwandan officials as the reason for their withdrawal. These talks would have marked the first direct engagement between the M23 and the Congolese government since President Felix Tshisekedi reversed his longstanding refusal to negotiate with the group.
A senior member of the Congo River Alliance, who spoke on condition of anonymity, clarified that “repositioning” meant withdrawing forces to “give peace a chance.” The source did not specify where the rebels would relocate but emphasized the need for Walikale and its surroundings to remain demilitarized. “If the FARDC (Congo’s army) and their allies return, it means they want to relaunch hostilities,” the source added.
Government Calls for Concrete Action
The Congolese government expressed cautious optimism about the announcement, urging the M23 to follow through with tangible actions. Foreign Affairs Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner told reporters, “We are going to see whether M23 will withdraw from Walikale and whether they will prioritize dialogue and peace. We hope this will be translated into concrete action.”
The situation in eastern DRC remains fragile, with the M23’s withdrawal seen as a potential step toward de-escalation. However, the group’s history of broken promises and the ongoing mistrust between the rebels and government forces cast doubt on the likelihood of a swift resolution to the conflict.