Fighters from the M23 have withdrawn from several towns in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo amid increasing international pressure to respect a fragile ceasefire agreement aimed at ending years of conflict in the region.
Local authorities, military officials, and residents confirmed on Monday that M23 fighters pulled out of key areas north of the city of Uvira in South Kivu Province, including the strategic town of Sange, located near the border with Burundi. The withdrawal comes as the United States intensifies diplomatic efforts to revive a peace agreement between the Congolese government and the rebel group.
According to regional military spokesperson Lieutenant Reagan Mbuyi, the rebels also left nearby communities such as Kabunambo, Mutarule, and Bwegera. However, the group continues to maintain control of Kamanyola, an important border town where the territories of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi intersect.
An M23 security source confirmed the withdrawal, saying the fighters were returning to positions they held before their push toward Uvira. The source added that Kamanyola was not part of the pullback operation.
The rebel advance into South Kivu earlier this year marked a significant expansion of M23 influence in eastern Congo. The group launched an offensive toward Uvira in December while peace negotiations between Congo and Rwanda were ongoing under U.S. mediation. Washington has been seeking to secure a ceasefire while also strengthening economic and mineral partnerships in the resource-rich region.
Eastern Congo is home to vast reserves of valuable minerals including cobalt, coltan, lithium, and gold resources critical to global technology and electric vehicle industries.
Control of these mineral-rich territories has fueled decades of violence involving armed groups, militias, and foreign interests.
Residents in Sange celebrated the departure of the rebels, with reports that pro-government militia fighters known as “Wazalendo” quickly moved into the town after M23 forces withdrew. Witnesses described scenes of jubilation as civilians, including women, children, and students, gathered in the streets to celebrate what they hope could signal a return to stability.
The Congolese government has repeatedly accused neighbouring Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, allegations Kigali denies. The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians and worsened humanitarian conditions across eastern Congo.
Analysts say the latest withdrawal may help ease tensions temporarily, but concerns remain over the durability of the ceasefire, especially as armed groups continue to operate across the region and competition over mineral resources persists.
