Strategic Movement and International Response
, backed by , announced their withdrawal from the strategic town of in eastern , aiming to support peace initiatives and comply with a ceasefire declared in February.
The annoncé withdrawal comes after M23 pulled out of planned talks with the DRC government, citing sanctions, and follows a joint call for an immediate ceasefire by the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC.
Skepticism and Regional Dynamics
Despite the announcement, skepticism surrounds the rebels' intentions, with DRC army officers questioning the likelihood of a genuine withdrawal and expressing concerns over the strategic implications for the region.
The conflict, rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda's 1994 genocide and competition for mineral riches, has seen M23's aggressive advance into eastern DRC, capturing key cities and threatening regional stability.