Amid escalating tensions in eastern Congo, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have announced their withdrawal from the strategic town of Walikale.The rebel group, which has been staging an aggressive offensive, claimed the move was in support of peace efforts, despite earlier statements indicating they would maintain their presence in the town.
For weeks, M23 rebels have been advancing through eastern Congo, capturing key towns and clashing with government forces.Their seizure of Walikale, a crucial town in North Kivu province, raised concerns that the group was planning to push further toward the provincial capital, Goma.However, in a statement on Saturday, an M23 spokesperson declared,
“We are pulling back for peace! Our mission is not to destroy but to seek justice and security for our people.”The announcement surprised many, as the group had previously justified holding Walikale as a strategic advantage in their broader campaign.
The M23 rebellion has been a long-standing source of instability in eastern Congo, with allegations that Rwanda supports the group, a claim Kigali repeatedly denies.The withdrawal from Walikale comes amid renewed diplomatic pressure from regional leaders and international bodies urging a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Congolese government officials, however, remain skeptical of the rebels’ true intentions.
“This is not the first time they have announced a withdrawal, only to reappear in another town. We will remain vigilant,” a military source stated.
The retreat follows a series of high-level discussions involving the East African Community (EAC) and other stakeholders, pushing for a ceasefire and dialogue.
Some analysts believe the move is a tactical repositioning rather than a genuine step toward peace.
Despite the announcement, the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo continues to worsen.
Thousands of civilians have been displaced due to ongoing clashes, with many seeking refuge in makeshift camps.
Human rights groups warn that the conflict has left communities vulnerable to violence, looting, and food shortages.
A local resident of Walikale expressed mixed feelings about the withdrawal.
“We hope this means peace is coming, but we have seen these promises before. Until there is real security, we cannot return home,” she said.
