The rebel coalition Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has announced a conditional withdrawal of its fighters from the strategic city of Uvira in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This move follows intense international pressure, particularly from the United States and other partners, urging all parties to uphold recently brokered peace arrangements and avoid further bloodshed.
The AFC/M23 stated that the pullback from Uvira is a “trust-building measure” intended to support ongoing negotiations under the Doha peace framework. The group aims to strengthen dialogue and revitalise peace talks with Congolese authorities. Uvira has been a flashpoint in the conflict, with the M23 coalition’s earlier capture of the city exacerbating tensions despite a US-mediated agreement signed by the presidents of Congo and Rwanda in early December.
The agreement aimed to curb violence, but the M23’s offensive displaced large numbers of civilians and defied peace commitments, shocking the region. Leadership in Kinshasa and international actors sharply criticised the advance, saying it threatened the fragile peace process. The AFC/M23’s announcement signals a possible de-escalation, but analysts caution that conditions attached to the withdrawal and the group’s broader strategic goals could complicate implementation on the ground.
The situation in eastern Congo remains volatile, with humanitarian concerns and regional security risks persisting as negotiations continue. The DRC has been plagued by conflict in the eastern region, with various rebel groups vying for control. The international community has been engaged in efforts to broker peace, with the US playing a key role in mediating talks. The withdrawal of AFC/M23 fighters from Uvira is a significant development, but its impact on the overall peace process remains to be seen.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will be watching closely to see if the AFC/M23’s withdrawal marks a genuine step towards peace or a tactical manoeuvre. The DRC government and other stakeholders will need to navigate the complex web of interests and alliances in the region to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict. With the humanitarian situation in eastern Congo remaining dire, a peaceful outcome is crucial to preventing further suffering and instability in the region.