The M23 rebel movement has announced the withdrawal of its forces from the eastern Congolese city of Uvira, following U.S. pressure.
In a statement dated December 15, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) said the pullout is a unilateral “trust-building measure” aimed at giving the Doha peace process “the maximum chance to succeed” after the signing of a framework agreement in November.
Uvira, a strategic lakeside city in South Kivu province, was recently seized by M23 fighters amid renewed clashes with the Congolese army, the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC), and allied militias.
According to the statement, the group said it would withdraw from Uvira in line with a “request from mediators,” despite what it described as continued provocations by FARDC and its allies.
“AFC/M23 will unilaterally withdraw its forces from the city of Uvira as per United States mediation’s request,” the statement said.
The group warned, however, that previous withdrawals had been exploited by Congolese forces and allied militias to retake territory and target civilians perceived as sympathetic to M23.
However, its decision to pull-out comes days after U.S. vowed to use all tools at it’s disposal to hold the group accountable for its actions.
The withdrawal from comes amid mounting international pressure, particularly from Washington, which has pushed for de-escalation in eastern Congo as fighting displaces civilians and risks drawing in neighbouring states.
Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accused Rwanda of violating the Washington Accords signed between DRC and Rwanda saying Washington would act against Kigali over the capture of Uvira. Rwanda is accused of backing the rebels, a charge it denies.
While the Congolese government has yet to officially respond to the announcement, analysts say the move places the spotlight on whether international mediators and regional actors can ensure security on the ground and prevent a fresh cycle of fighting once M23 pulls back.
The group said it would not allow armed groups hostile to Burundi to use areas under its control as rear bases for attacks that could undermine relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighbours.
