The M23 rebel group, which last week seized the Democratic Republic of Congo city of Uvira, say they have begun withdrawing, promising to complete the pullout on Thursday, following pressure from the US.
The M23 group captured the strategic city near the border with Burundi, days after a historic US-brokered peace deal between Congolese and Rwandan governments aimed at ending the long-running conflict in eastern DR Congo.
However, DR Congo's government says the reported withdrawal is a diversion and needs verification. On Thursday morning some Uvira residents told the BBC it was not clear if the M23 were leaving, with some of their trucks still moving around the city.
The capture of Uvira sparked US condemnation and warning of sanctions against Rwanda, which is accused of backing the rebels - a claim it denies. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa stated that the withdrawal was under way, with spokesman Willy Ngoma adding that this was for the sake of peace.
In a post on X, Bisimwa urged mediators and international partners to ensure the city was protected from reprisals, violence and remilitarisation.
A local civil society member, who did not want to be named for safety reasons, noted that while some M23 troops had started withdrawing, police officers from the same group were still present. Another resident expressed skepticism, stating, It seems they are still here. In fact, yesterday I saw them bringing in police trucks.
DR Congo government spokesman Patrick Muyaya stated that the M23's announcement was meant to distract the American mediation team, which is preparing to take measures against Rwanda and called for vigilance regarding the alleged withdrawal.
The recent offensive in Uvira resulted in numerous casualties and displacements, leading many to flee to Burundi. The situation in Uvira remains tense, with concerns about what the M23 may be leaving behind amidst their reported withdrawal.
The M23 group captured the strategic city near the border with Burundi, days after a historic US-brokered peace deal between Congolese and Rwandan governments aimed at ending the long-running conflict in eastern DR Congo.
However, DR Congo's government says the reported withdrawal is a diversion and needs verification. On Thursday morning some Uvira residents told the BBC it was not clear if the M23 were leaving, with some of their trucks still moving around the city.
The capture of Uvira sparked US condemnation and warning of sanctions against Rwanda, which is accused of backing the rebels - a claim it denies. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa stated that the withdrawal was under way, with spokesman Willy Ngoma adding that this was for the sake of peace.
In a post on X, Bisimwa urged mediators and international partners to ensure the city was protected from reprisals, violence and remilitarisation.
A local civil society member, who did not want to be named for safety reasons, noted that while some M23 troops had started withdrawing, police officers from the same group were still present. Another resident expressed skepticism, stating, It seems they are still here. In fact, yesterday I saw them bringing in police trucks.
DR Congo government spokesman Patrick Muyaya stated that the M23's announcement was meant to distract the American mediation team, which is preparing to take measures against Rwanda and called for vigilance regarding the alleged withdrawal.
The recent offensive in Uvira resulted in numerous casualties and displacements, leading many to flee to Burundi. The situation in Uvira remains tense, with concerns about what the M23 may be leaving behind amidst their reported withdrawal.
