The M23 rebels have repositioned their forces from the strategic town of Walikale, ahead of planned peace talks in Doha, Qatar.
Walikale is a town in eastern Congo rich in natural resources. The M23 rebels, who have been at the center of the conflict, had previously captured this town. However, they have now repositioned their forces, which is being seen as a positive step towards the upcoming peace talks.
The M23 initially announced their intention to withdraw on March 22, but the process was delayed due to concerns about Congolese army positions and the presence of attack drones in the area.
However, the Congolese government has raised question marks about the sincerity of the M23’s actions. The government has been cautious, citing previous failed peace efforts and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
The conflict in eastern Congo has led to humanitarian crisis. Over seven million people have been displaced, and there have been reports of over 7,000 deaths since the start of the year.
However, spokesperson for the rebel alliance that includes M23, Lawrence Kanyuka in an X post warns the gesture of goodwill will automatically be cancelled if Kinshasa regime continue their provocations or attacks on civilians in the liberated areas and on our positions.
The talks in Doha Marks the first formal negotiations between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels since the rebels seized the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu earlier this year.
Prior to this, a meeting planned in Angola on March 18 was aborted when the M23 pulled out at the last
