Rebels Start to Withdraw from Key DR Congo City, Leaders Say
The M23 rebel group, which recently seized the strategic city of Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), has announced that they have commenced their withdrawal. They pledge to complete this pullout by Thursday, following mounting pressure from the United States.
Background on the Situation
– The M23 group captured Uvira, located near the border with Burundi, just days after a landmark US-brokered peace agreement was reached between the Congolese and Rwandan governments. This deal aimed to resolve the protracted conflict in eastern DR Congo.
– Despite the rebels’ claims of withdrawal, DR Congo’s government has labeled this as a diversion and insists on verifying the situation on the ground.
Ambiguity in Uvira
– On Thursday morning, some residents of Uvira expressed uncertainty over the M23’s departure, reporting that rebel trucks were still active within the city.
– M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa confirmed that the withdrawal was under way, with spokesman Willy Ngoma stating that it was being carried out for the sake of peace.
– Bisimwa took to social media platform X, urging mediators and international partners to safeguard the city from reprisals, violence, and remilitarization.
The Government’s Perspective
– Patrick Muyaya, the DR Congo government spokesman, voiced skepticism regarding the M23’s announcement. He suggested that the declaration was aimed at distracting the American mediation team, which is preparing to take action against Rwanda.
– Muyaya characterized the M23’s decision to leave Uvira as a positive sign, but emphasized the need for verification, questioning the whereabouts of the troops, the number involved, and any possible repercussions left behind, such as mass graves or soldiers disguised as civilians.
Impact of the Uvira Offensive
– The recent offensive in Uvira has resulted in numerous casualties, with reports indicating dozens dead, over 100 injured, and more than 200,000 displaced. At least 30,000 civilians have fled to Burundi.
– This escalation of violence occurred despite the peace deal signed on December 4 between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, hosted by former President Donald Trump in Washington. While the rebels were not signatories to this agreement, they have been engaging in a parallel peace initiative led by Qatar, which maintains strong ties with Rwanda.
Conclusion
The situation in Uvira remains fluid and uncertain. While the M23 rebel group claims to be withdrawing, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The DR Congo government’s call for vigilance highlights the complexities surrounding the conflict and the need for verification of any announced changes. As the international community watches closely, the implications of this situation will undoubtedly impact the future of peace in the region.