KINSHASA — M23 rebels in eastern Congo announced Saturday they will withdraw from the recently seized town of Walikale to support ongoing peace efforts, despite skepticism from Congolese military officials.
The Rwanda-backed rebel group, which has been advancing westward in an unprecedented offensive, previously stated it would maintain forces in Walikale while pushing toward the capital. However, in a statement issued by the Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, the group said it had “decided to reposition its forces” in accordance with a February ceasefire and regional peace initiatives.
A senior alliance member, speaking anonymously, described the withdrawal as a move to “give peace a chance” but did not specify where the rebels would relocate. The source also urged for Walikale to remain demilitarized, warning that a return of the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allies would indicate an intention to restart hostilities.
Congo’s Foreign Affairs Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner expressed cautious optimism, saying, “We are going to see whether M23 will withdraw from Walikale and give priority to dialogue and peace. We hope this will be translated into concrete action.”
Despite the announcement, Congolese military officials remain doubtful. One officer claimed M23 is instead advancing toward Mubi, another town in the region, after government forces and pro-government militias bombed Walikale’s airport and disrupted the rebels’ supply routes.
“They now have a provision problem,” the officer said, speaking anonymously. “They will not withdraw. They will move in front of Walikale and behind it.”
On Thursday, an M23 officer told Walikale residents that while a small group of soldiers would remain to provide security, the rest would continue marching “all the way to Kinshasa.”
The capture of Walikale marks the furthest west the rebels have advanced, placing them within 400 km (250 miles) of Kisangani, a key trade hub on the Congo River. Kisangani’s strategic location, 1,500 km (930 miles) from Kinshasa, has heightened concerns over M23’s long-term objectives.
The conflict in eastern Congo has deep historical roots, tied to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over the region’s vast mineral resources. Despite multiple ceasefire agreements and regional peace summits, fighting has continued.
Congo, the United Nations, and Western governments accuse Rwanda of supplying weapons and troops to the Tutsi-led M23, an allegation Kigali denies. Rwanda insists its military presence is for self-defense against Congo’s army and the FDLR, a militia formed by perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide.
M23 alliance leader Corneille Naanga on Friday rejected a joint call for an immediate ceasefire from Congo and Rwanda, reiterating that direct negotiations with Kinshasa remain the only viable solution to the conflict.
