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.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed Saturday in southern Brazil, killing eight and injuring at least 13 others, local authorities said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A tornado ripped through a rural area of North Dakota late Friday, killing three people and leaving behind severe damage as storms lashed parts of the upper Midwest.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government has dismissed a recent United Nations report on the country’s security, human rights, and economic situation, calling it inaccurate and misleading.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed Saturday in southern Brazil, killing eight and injuring at least 13 others, local authorities said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A tornado ripped through a rural area of North Dakota late Friday, killing three people and leaving behind severe damage as storms lashed parts of the upper Midwest.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government has dismissed a recent United Nations report on the country’s security, human rights, and economic situation, calling it inaccurate and misleading.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
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