Rwanda has expressed support for the M23 rebel group's decision to withdraw from the strategic mining town of Walikale in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and for the DRC's commitment to halting hostilities as part of ongoing peace efforts.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Rwandan government welcomed the M23 rebels' announcement to reposition their forces from Walikale in support of peace initiatives in the region. Rwanda also praised the DRC's decision to suspend offensive operations by its forces (FARDC) and pro-government militias (Wazalendo), which aligns with broader peace efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
"Rwanda is committed to working with all parties to ensure adherence to commitments, particularly in the context of the joint EAC-SADC Summit process and other initiatives which pave the way towards a lasting political and security settlement for the region," the statement read.
The M23 rebel alliance, which has played a central role in the conflict in eastern Congo, announced on Saturday that it would reposition its forces from Walikale and its surrounding areas to support ongoing peace processes, which include political dialogue and the de-escalation of violence. Following this, the Congolese military also called for a reduction in tensions by encouraging local self-defense forces to prioritize peace talks.
Since the M23 intensified its offensive last year, the group has captured significant territory in North and South Kivu provinces, drawing accusations from the DRC and others that Rwanda has supported the rebels. Rwanda, however, has consistently denied these allegations.
The announcement follows recent diplomatic talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, mediated by Qatar's Emir in Doha. The two leaders called for a ceasefire, marking the latest round of negotiations since the M23 rebels took control of the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu this year.
As the violence continues, the United Nations reported on Friday that over 100,000 Congolese have fled the conflict, seeking refuge in neighboring countries within a matter of months. Rwanda's support for the peace efforts in the region reflects its commitment to a lasting solution and regional stability.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military exp...
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off...
At least 22 people have been killed and 35 others injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghanistan, local officials s...
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing o...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know....
Félicien Kabuga, one of the last remaining suspects linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has died in custody at the age of 93, a United Nations court said on Saturday.
The United States imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila on Thursday, accusing him of supporting Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and fuelling political instability in the country’s troubled east.
The Middle East crisis is reshaping transport choices worldwide, turning electric vehicles from a long-term climate goal into an immediate economic calculation.
The military spokesperson for the M23 rebel movement, Willy Ngoma, was killed in an army drone strike in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo early on Tuesday (24 February), according to a regional diplomat, a senior rebel figure and a Western adviser to the government.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Voting has begun in Malta’s parliamentary election, with opinion polls suggesting the ruling Labour Party is on course to win a fourth consecutive term.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment