Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have pulled out of the strategic town of Walikale, calling it a goodwill gesture ahead of peace talks with the Congolese government set for next week in Doha.
Since January, M23 has made rapid gains in eastern Congo, seizing the region’s two largest cities, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing hundreds of thousands. The escalating conflict has raised concerns of a broader regional war, with neighboring countries Uganda and Burundi also deploying troops to the area.
The planned direct talks between Congo’s government and M23 are scheduled to begin on April 9, according to sources from both sides. Walikale, located along a key road linking four eastern Congo provinces, is rich in minerals such as tin, making it a strategic location.
M23 had previously promised to withdraw from Walikale last month but had delayed the move, accusing the Congolese army of failing to honor its own commitments, including withdrawing attack drones.
Local residents and officials confirmed this week that M23 forces had vacated the town. Congolese army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge confirmed that government troops had taken control of Walikale.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka warned that the withdrawal could be reversed if Congo’s government continues provocations or attacks on civilians, stating that such actions would lead to the cancellation of the goodwill gesture.
Doctors Without Borders reported this week that civilians, along with its medical teams, have been trapped in Walikale due to the ongoing violence and warned of impending shortages of essential medical supplies.
The United Nations and Western governments have accused Rwanda of providing military support to M23, while Rwanda denies the allegations, claiming its military is acting in self-defense against Congo’s army and militias linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.