Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have withdrawn from the strategic town of Walikale in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, describing the move as a goodwill gesture ahead of planned peace talks with the government. The talks are scheduled to take place in Doha on April 9.
The rebels had seized control of Walikale, a town rich in minerals including tin, as part of their swift advance since January.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and forced hundreds of thousands more from their homes. The fighting has also raised fears of a wider regional war, with Congo’s neighbors Uganda and Burundi having troops in the region.
The withdrawal from Walikale comes after the rebels initially failed to leave the town, accusing the Congolese army of not withdrawing attack drones.
The move is seen as a positive step ahead of the planned peace talks, which will be the first direct talks between the government and the M23 rebels.
