In a surprising move, the M23 rebels have pulled out of the strategic town of Walikale in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The withdrawal comes just days before direct peace talks with the Congolese government are scheduled to begin in Doha.
This shift signals a possible turning point in the ongoing conflict that has left thousands dead and forced many more to flee their homes. But the fragile situation still holds the threat of renewed violence.
M23 Rebels Leave Walikale as Peace Talks Loom
The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have vacated the mineral-rich town of Walikale in eastern Congo. Their move is part of a goodwill gesture ahead of the much-anticipated peace talks with the Congolese government set for April 9 in Doha.
Walikale lies along a vital road that connects four provinces in the east. Its strategic location and mineral wealth, especially tin, have made it a hot spot in the ongoing conflict.
M23 had previously promised to leave Walikale a month ago. However, they accused the Congolese army of violating mutual agreements, particularly by refusing to withdraw surveillance drones. This led to a delay in their pullout.
Now, residents and local officials confirm the rebels have finally departed. Sylvain Ekenge, a spokesperson for the Congolese army, verified that government troops have taken control of the area.
Despite this step toward peace, tensions remain high. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka warned on Thursday that if the Congolese army provokes them or targets civilians, the rebels will respond with force.
“If the Kinshasa regime continues its provocations or attacks on civilians and our positions, this gesture of goodwill will be canceled. We will strike at the source,” Kanyuka said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Humanitarian Crisis and International Pressure
Walikale has recently seen intense fighting. According to Doctors Without Borders, both civilians and aid workers were trapped due to the violence. The organization also warned that vital medical supplies were running dangerously low.
The wider humanitarian situation in eastern Congo is dire. Since January, M23 has seized control of major cities in the region, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Thousands have died as a result of the rapid rebel advance.
International actors, including the United Nations and Western governments, have accused Rwanda of arming and supporting M23. They claim that Rwandan troops have crossed into Congo to back the rebels, who are mainly from the ethnic Tutsi group.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied these allegations. Instead, Kigali says it is defending itself against attacks from Congolese forces and from FDLR—a militia composed of individuals linked to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
As both sides prepare for direct dialogue in Doha, the world watches closely. Will the peace talks bring real change, or will violence erupt again?
Only time will tell if M23’s retreat from Walikale marks a genuine step toward peace—or just a pause in a devastating conflict.
