Rebels start to withdraw from DR Congo villages in boost for peace push
North Kivu Governor Evariste Kakule Somo says the withdrawal is part of the “implementation of peace agreements, particularly the US-brokered peace accords."
The M23 rebels have withdrawn from several positions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, local media reported on Friday.
The rebels began moving on Monday from several villages they had occupied for over a year in North Kivu's Lubero territory, Radio Okapi reported, citing security sources.
Following their withdrawal from towns such as Lunyasenge, Bukununu, Musiya, Katondi, and Kipese, the rebels reportedly camped in the Alimbongo, Kirumba, and Kanyabayonga areas.
North Kivu Governor Evariste Kakule Somo told local media in Lubero town that he had seen an "effective withdrawal" from several areas, which several media outlets mentioned in their coverage.
He urged people to remain calm, saying the rebel movement is part of the “implementation of peace agreements, particularly the US-brokered peace accords."
Historic peace deal
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame on December 4, 2025 signed a "historic" peace and economic agreement aimed at putting an end to the fighting in eastern Congo.
The agreement was signed following a peace agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump in June of last year.
Despite these developments, the security situation remains fragile following intensified fighting between the M23 rebels and government forces, according to local sources.
M23 has been at the epicenter of the conflict in eastern Congo. The rebel group controls significant territory in eastern Congo, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which it seized in early 2025.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied accusations of supporting the group.