The M23 rebel group has announced it will unilaterally withdraw its forces from the strategic city of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following a request from the United States.
This decision is seen as a trust-building measure to give the Qatar-brokered peace process a chance to succeed.
The rebels, backed by Rwanda, had captured Uvira, a key city near the Burundi border, sparking concerns of regional instability. The US had accused Rwanda of violating a peace deal signed in Washington, and warned of potential action.
The M23’s withdrawal is expected to be monitored by a neutral force, and the group has called for demilitarization, protection of civilians, and infrastructure safeguarding.
The move is seen as a test for fragile diplomatic efforts to halt the decades-long conflict in eastern DR Congo, which has caused a humanitarian crisis and displaced hundreds of thousands.
