Residents of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are once again facing uncertainty after the M23 rebel group announced that it would withdraw from the city and hand over security responsibilities to the international community, even as fighting continues in and around the area. The announcement marks the group’s second declaration of withdrawal, but locals remain sceptical because past statements did not translate into a clear change on the ground.
In a written statement, M23 said it would step back from security duties and called for the deployment of a neutral force to protect civilians and crucial infrastructure, but residents say they have seen no tangible signs that the rebels have actually left. Civilians like Mukuninwa Assumani Ruffin and Muzingwa Ramazani told reporters they are deeply worried about their safety, unsure whether this pledge will materialise and how they will live if the force truly departs.
Despite the withdrawal announcement, fighting between M23 and allied militias such as Wazalendo continues in parts of the territory, including strategic localities like Makobola and Lemera. The prolonged clashes underline a broader security crisis that has afflicted eastern DRC for years, despite peace agreements and international mediation efforts.
M23’s political wing has also warned of ongoing security threats in a letter to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, citing armed actors that did not sign peace accords a reference to groups including the FDLR and certain foreign fighters which complicates the peace process. Analysts and civil society actors are urging the international community to enforce commitments and ensure that any pullout is genuine and accompanied by a viable protection plan for civilians.
At this point, neither the Congolese government nor MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, has publicly responded to the latest withdrawal claim, leaving both residents and observers uncertain about what will happen next in Uvira’s fragile security landscape.
