M23 rebels yet to withdrawal from DRC’s Uvira city despite US pressure
The M23 rebel group which last week seized the Democratic Republic of Congo city of Uvira is yet to completely withdrawal despite promises to complete the pullout deadline two days ago following pressure from the US.
The M23 group captured the strategic city near the border with Burundi, days after a “historic” US-brokered peace deal between Congolese and Rwandan governments aimed at ending the long-running conflict in eastern DR Congo sparking tension.
However, DR Congo’s government says the reported withdrawal is a “diversion” and needs verification.
American mediators in the conflict between the M23 and the armed forces of the DR Congo reportedly made the withdrawal request.
The M23 has been fighting Congolese armed forces in the region for the past year in a brutal conflict that has killed and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.
Despite the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda – accused of backing the M23 – signing a US-brokered peace agreement in Washington on 4th December, the M23 rebels were not included in the negotiations. As a result, they captured Uvira, which is situated near the borders with Burundi and Rwanda, just days after the peace deal.
The M23 said that its withdrawal was happening “for the sake of peace” and reports confirm that their troops began leaving the town voluntarily.
The withdrawal was reportedly set to be completed by Thursday, December 18, 2025.
