The M23 rebel movement in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced the start of its withdrawal from the town of Uvira, describing the move as a unilateral confidence-building step aimed at supporting mediation efforts led by the United States and Qatar.
Videos circulating on social media show M23 fighters leaving the town in convoys, with the group pledging to complete the withdrawal by the end of Thursday.
The announcement comes days after Washington criticized the group’s takeover of Uvira, warning that it posed a threat to the ongoing peace process.
The Congolese government responded with skepticism. Through its communications minister, Kinshasa accused the M23 of attempting to “distract” the US mediator and ease international pressure on Rwanda, which the DRC accuses of backing the rebellion.
Meanwhile, the Congolese army reported that clashes continue on a daily basis in North Kivu and South Kivu, despite the withdrawal announcement.
