In a significant development aimed at de-escalating tensions in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the M23 rebel group has declared its intention to withdraw from the strategically important town of Walikale, which it seized earlier this week. The announcement, made on 22 March 2025, frames the decision as a gesture to support ongoing peace efforts, despite the group’s recent withdrawal from direct talks with the Congolese government due to European Union (EU) sanctions imposed on some of its leaders and Rwandan officials.
The M23, a predominantly ethnic Tutsi rebel group backed by Rwanda, has been at the centre of a renewed offensive in eastern DRC since January 2025. The group’s capture of Walikale marked its furthest advance westwards, bringing it within 400 kilometres of Kisangani, a major port city on the Congo River and a critical economic hub. The rebels’ advance has raised alarm bells in Kinshasa and among regional stakeholders, as it threatens to destabilise a region already grappling with decades of conflict and humanitarian crises.
The Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, stated that the decision to “reposition its forces” from Walikale and surrounding areas aligns with a ceasefire declared in February 2025 and is intended to support peace initiatives. However, the announcement has been met with scepticism by Congolese army officers and government officials, who question the rebels’ sincerity. A senior M23 official, speaking on condition of anonymity, clarified that “repositioning” meant withdrawing to “give peace a chance” but declined to specify where the rebels would relocate. The official also warned that any return of Congolese armed forces (FARDC) or pro-government militias to Walikale could reignite hostilities.
Congolese Foreign Affairs Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner cautiously welcomed the announcement, stating, “We are going to see whether M23 will withdraw from Walikale and whether M23 will give priority to dialogue and peace. We hope that this will be translated into concrete action.” Her remarks reflect the government’s wariness, given the M23’s history of violating previous ceasefire agreements and its abrupt withdrawal from planned talks earlier this week.
The M23’s resurgence has exacerbated long-standing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of providing military support to the rebels—a claim Rwanda denies. Independent UN reports, however, have documented evidence of Rwandan involvement, further complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. The EU’s recent sanctions on M23 leaders and Rwandan officials have added another layer of complexity, with the rebels citing these measures as a reason for pulling out of direct talks with the Congolese government.
On the ground, the situation remains volatile. Congolese army officers reported that M23 forces are advancing towards Mubi, another town in the region, despite the announced withdrawal. One officer, speaking anonymously, suggested that logistical challenges, including the bombing of Walikale’s airport and the cutting of key road access by FARDC and allied militias, may have forced the rebels to reconsider their position. “They now have a provision problem,” the officer said. “They will not withdraw. They will move in front of Walikale and behind it.”
The humanitarian impact of the conflict continues to worsen. The United Nations estimates that over 300,000 civilians have been displaced since the beginning of the year, adding to the millions already displaced in eastern DRC. Walikale, a key trade route, has seen its economy crippled by the fighting, with local residents facing severe shortages of food and medical supplies. The World Food Programme (WFP) has described the region as one of the most complex hunger crises globally, with aid access severely restricted in rebel-held areas.
Efforts to broker a lasting peace have so far yielded limited results. Regional initiatives, including the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU), have repeatedly called for dialogue and disarmament, but mutual distrust between the parties has stymied progress. The M23’s leader, Corneille Nangaa, has dismissed joint calls for an immediate ceasefire by Congo and Rwanda, reiterating demands for direct talks with Kinshasa as the only viable path to resolving the conflict.
As the situation unfolds, the international community remains divided on how best to address the crisis. The United States and European Union have urged Rwanda to use its influence to halt the rebel advance, while China, a major investor in DRC’s mining sector, has called for non-interference and dialogue. The AU’s Peace and Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session to assess the latest developments and explore ways to reinvigorate the peace process.
For now, the M23’s withdrawal from Walikale remains a tentative step towards de-escalation. Whether it marks a genuine commitment to peace or a tactical manoeuvre to regroup and rearm will depend on the actions of all parties involved. As the DRC government and regional stakeholders weigh their next moves, the people of eastern Congo continue to bear the brunt of a conflict that shows no signs of abating.
