M23 rebel group has announced its withdrawal from the town of Uvira, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), under specific conditions, claiming that the move aims to reduce military tensions and demonstrate its willingness to participate in peace efforts.
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The statement of the decision was issued on the night of December 15 to December 16, explaining that the withdrawal is the result of pressure from the United States. M23 took control of Uvira in early December 2025, achieving military successes in the area before announcing the withdrawal.
In their conditions, M23 have demanded that the DRC army leave Uvira, that civilians be fully protected, and that an international or neutral force be established to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire.
The group has stressed that these conditions are necessary to ensure the safety of civilians and avoid new fighting after their departure. M23 has stated that the United States has been increasing pressure on Rwanda, which is often accused of supporting the group, to reduce military and political support.
Although the M23 has been making military gains in recent weeks, its leaders have said their withdrawal is a confidence-building measure and in support of the Doha peace process, which aims to achieve a lasting solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
The move comes as DRC President Félix Tshisekedi is on a diplomatic visit to Angola where he met with President João Lourenço, the chief mediator of the Luanda process.
Their talks aimed to strengthen regional and international efforts to end the fighting, reduce tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, and ensure the practical implementation of the peace agreement.
Tshisekedi stressed that the conditional withdrawal should not prevent the DRC government from regaining full control of its territory, while calling on the international community to continue pressuring the M23 and Rwanda to engage seriously in peace talks.