Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have pulled out of the strategic town of Walikale, ahead of planned peace talks with the Congolese government. The M23, which has seized several key cities in eastern Congo in recent months, described this withdrawal as a goodwill gesture, signaling their readiness to engage in dialogue with the government.
The M23 rebels have made significant territorial gains since January, capturing eastern Congo’s two largest cities, leading to widespread violence, the deaths of thousands, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. Walikale, situated along a road connecting four provinces in eastern Congo, is not only strategically important but also rich in valuable minerals, including tin. Its control is crucial for both military and economic reasons.
The withdrawal comes ahead of direct talks scheduled for April 9 in Doha between the M23 and the DRC government. While the rebels had previously pledged to leave Walikale, they had delayed the move, accusing the Congolese army of failing to meet its own commitments, including the withdrawal of attack drones. However, both local residents and a government spokesperson confirmed that M23 forces had indeed left the town, and Congolese troops are now in control.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka issued a stern warning, stating that if the Congolese government continues with provocations or attacks on civilians in liberated areas, the goodwill gesture could be reversed. The rebels have vowed to take action to eliminate any perceived threats to their positions.
Humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about the impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians. Doctors Without Borders reported that both its teams and local residents in Walikale were trapped by the violence, with essential medical supplies running low.
The United Nations and Western governments have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels with arms and troops, a claim that Rwanda denies, stating that its actions are in self-defense against Congolese forces and a militia associated with perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
