Fighters from the M23 armed group, backed by Rwanda, have reportedly withdrawn from multiple territories in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local sources and military officials. This announcement follows ongoing tensions in the region and efforts led by the United States to mediate a peace agreement between the M23 and the Congolese government.
The M23, which launched an aggressive offensive in December aimed at the city of Uvira in South Kivu, found itself facing renewed pressure for compliance with a peace deal that was still being formalized under U.S. oversight. Increased military and political pressure from Washington prompted a withdrawal by M23 fighters earlier this year, but the peace efforts have struggled to create stability.
On Monday, M23 combatants vacated key areas north of Uvira, specifically withdrawing from the town of Sange, located approximately 30 kilometers away from Uvira. This town is significant as it serves as a major crossroads in the region. In the aftermath of the M23’s departure, pro-government militia forces, known locally as “wazalendo,” moved in to fill the void left by the M23 fighters.
Senior local official Paul Fikiri Mudeda confirmed the M23’s withdrawal from Sange, stating, “M23 has withdrawn from Sange.” The spokesperson for the region’s military, Lieutenant Reagan Mbuyi, corroborated this information, detailing that the M23 had retreated not only from Sange but also from nearby locations including Kabunambo, Mutarule, and Bwegera.
However, despite this withdrawal, M23 fighters continue to maintain control over Kamanyola, a strategically important town located about 70 kilometers north of Uvira, where the borders of the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi converge. An anonymous source within the M23 indicated that their fighters were returning to previously held positions, emphasizing that Kamanyola was “not included in the withdrawal.”
The community’s reaction to the M23’s retreat has been largely celebratory, with residents expressing relief and hope for an end to the conflict. According to local testimonies, there was a palpable sense of joy among the inhabitants, with celebrations erupting in the streets as “young people, women, children – even school kids – are all celebrating right now.”
The eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has long been a hotspot for violence, with various armed groups vying for control over its abundant mineral resources. For more than three decades, the area has experienced turmoil as factions battle for dominance, complicating efforts for lasting peace. Since 2021, the M23 has made significant territorial gains in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, expanding southward into South Kivu with the capture of Uvira representing a notable escalation of their influence in the region.
