There are mixed reactions in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following the conditional announcement by the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 rebel coalition that its fighters will withdraw from the strategic town of Uvira, a flashpoint in the protracted conflict in South Kivu province. The move has stirred cautious optimism among residents and mediators that de-escalation might be possible, even as deep skepticism persists given the long history of fragile truces in the region.
The AFC-M23’s announcement described the pullback as a step toward confidence-building in ongoing peace negotiations, particularly those linked to the Doha peace process intended to end fighting and address humanitarian and security challenges. The city of Uvira was previously seized by the rebels in a rapid offensive that sparked widespread condemnation and raised fears of wider regional destabilisation, including displacement of civilians and cross-border tensions.
Despite this statement of intent, analysts and local actors remain wary. For many, the DRC’s conflict has seen repeated cycles of territorial gains, withdrawals, and resurgent violence, often with limited oversight or implementation on the ground. Eastern Congo continues to face a complex security landscape with multiple armed groups, displacement crises and humanitarian needs that have persisted despite international mediation efforts.
Observers emphasise that the effectiveness of any withdrawal will depend on verification mechanisms, the protection of civilians, and sustained diplomatic engagement not just announcements. Without clear enforcement and monitoring structures, there is concern that the rebels could reposition or re-engage in conflict, as has happened in previous ceasefire pledges.
