DRC M23 rebels to withdraw from Walikale in peace gesture

In order to help with efforts to resolve the conflict, M23 rebels are reportedly removing their forces from the town of Walikale, which they took control of this week.

The Congo River Alliance stated in a statement on Saturday that it had “decided to reposition its forces” from Walikale and the surrounding areas.

After M23 this week pulled out of planned discussions with Congolese authorities in Angola at the last minute due to EU sanctions against some of its leaders and Rwandan officials, the Congolese government said it hoped the move would lead to concrete action.

After President Felix Tshisekedi’s long-standing opposition to speaking with the rebels, it would have been its first direct contact with the DRC government.

The alliance stated in a statement that was met with skepticism from the DRC government army officers that this decision was in line with a ceasefire that was established in February and in support of peace initiatives.

Repositioning meant a withdrawal to “give peace a chance,” a senior alliance member who declined to be identified told the Reuters news agency. The source said no location would be disclosed for the M23 rebels to leave.

The source stated that “we are asking that Walikale and its surrounding areas remain demilitarized.” The FARDC (DRC’s army) and their allies want to rekindle hostilities, the DRC’s army says.

We’re waiting to see whether M23 will leave Walikale and whether M23 will prioritize dialogue and peace, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, who added, “We hope that this will be translated into concrete action.”

In an unprecedented advance, the rebels have already seized control of eastern DRC’s two largest cities since January, reaching Walikale from the west in unprecedented fashion.