The leader of the Congo River AllianceCorneille Nangaa, has announced that rebel forces will unilaterally withdraw from the strategic eastern city of Uvira as a “trust-building measure.”
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The decision reportedly comes at the direct request of the United States government, just days after the M23-allied group seized the border town.
The capture had sparked international condemnation, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that the offensive violated the “Washington Accords”—a peace deal brokered by President Donald Trump and signed by the leaders of Rwanda and the DR Congo on December 4, 2025.
Despite the rebels’ public commitment to retreat, the situation on the ground remains tense and uncertain. On Wednesday, U.S. State Department officials stated there is currently “no credible evidence” that a withdrawal is actually underway, as residents continue to report a heavy rebel presence in the city’s streets.
The M23 leadership has maintained that their exit is conditional on the deployment of a neutral monitoring force to protect civilians. While the U.S. continues to accuse Rwanda of backing the insurgency, Rwandan officials have denied any involvement, even as Washington vows to take further action to ensure the regional peace agreement is upheld.
CULLED FROM BBC
