MWE Correspondent
The M23 rebel group has announced its planned withdrawal from the town of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), describing the move as a step to ease military tensions and signal its willingness to participate in renewed peace efforts.
The statement, released late on December 15 and extending into the early hours of December 16, said the withdrawal followed growing international pressure, particularly from the United States. Uvira, the administrative capital of South Kivu Province, had fallen under M23 control earlier this month after swift military advances, raising concerns about regional stability and the safety of civilians.
Located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, near the border with Tanzania, Uvira is a key logistical and administrative hub in eastern Congo. Its capture triggered fears of displacement and cross-border insecurity, highlighting the fragility of the region, which has long been affected by clashes between armed groups and government forces. For more background on the region’s conflicts, see Democratic Republic of the Congo.
M23’s withdrawal comes with a set of conditions. The group has demanded that the Congolese army vacate Uvira, that civilians be fully protected, and that an international or neutral force be deployed to monitor the ceasefire. The rebels insist these measures are critical to ensuring the safety of residents and preventing renewed fighting.
Despite achieving recent military successes, M23 leaders framed the withdrawal as a confidence-building measure to support ongoing peace initiatives, including the Doha process aimed at securing a lasting resolution to the eastern DRC conflict. Analysts note that while military gains can pressure opponents, long-term stability depends on dialogue and trust. More details on the M23 rebellion are available here.
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The announcement coincides with increased diplomatic activity in the region. DRC President Félix Tshisekedi is currently in Angola, meeting President João Lourenço, the chief mediator of the Luanda peace process. Their discussions focused on strengthening regional and international efforts to halt hostilities, reduce tensions between DRC and Rwanda, and ensure that peace agreements are implemented effectively. For insight into Angola’s mediation efforts, see Angola.
M23 has also claimed that U.S. pressure on Rwanda—a country often accused of backing the group—has influenced its decision, urging Kigali to scale back any support. Meanwhile, President Tshisekedi has stressed that a conditional withdrawal should not compromise the Congolese government’s authority and has called on the international community to ensure M23 and Rwanda engage sincerely in peace talks.
Residents of Uvira and surrounding areas have responded with cautious optimism. Much will depend on whether M23’s conditions are met and whether all parties uphold their commitments. Observers warn that previous ceasefires in eastern Congo have often collapsed due to mistrust, resource competition, and complex regional dynamics.
