M23 rebels announce withdrawal from eastern Congolese town of Walikale

KIGALI, Rwanda

The Alliance Fleuve Congo, a rebel alliance that includes M23 rebels, on Saturday announced its withdrawal from the town of Walikale and its surroundings in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, days after seizing the mineral-rich area.

The move was in line with a unilateral ceasefire declared on Feb. 22 and aimed at creating conditions favorable for a dialogue process to resolve the conflict in Congo, according to a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka on X.

“To support peace initiatives aimed at fostering conditions conducive to political dialogue addressing the root causes of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Alliance Fleuve Congo has decided to reposition its forces from the town of Walikale and its surrounding areas,” the statement said.

The armed group called on “residents of Walikale and their community leaders to take necessary measures to ensure security and protection of the civilian population and their property during this transition period.”

However, rebel elements were still visible in the town by Saturday afternoon despite the withdrawal announcement, according to residents.

Local media reported that airstrikes by Congolese forces were heard Saturday in the area around the town’s Kigoma airfield.

Clashes were also reported in the town on Friday between rebels and pro-government militias.

The rebels captured Walikale on Wednesday evening following days of fierce fighting with government troops and pro-government militias, known as Wazalendo, in the town’s neighborhoods.

Situated about 125 kilometers (80 miles) northwest of the eastern provincial capital, Goma, captured by the rebels in January, Walikale hosts large deposits of tin.

The rebel group has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo since December, capturing the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.

Ongoing violence in North Kivu province, particularly in Masisi and Walikale territories, along with an extremely volatile security situation in Bukavu and surrounding areas in South Kivu province, has forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee.

In less than three months, the number of Congolese fleeing to neighboring countries has surged to more than 100,000, the UN said Friday.

Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday announced a virtual summit of leaders from two regional blocs, the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, scheduled for next week to strengthen coordination in efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern Congo.