M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have announced their decision to withdraw forces from Walikale, a strategically important town they recently captured, as part of their commitment to international peace efforts. This move comes amid ongoing conflict and previous tensions between the rebels and the DRC government.

The announcement stated their withdrawal is aligned with a ceasefire declared in February and is intended to support further dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in the region. According to a statement from the Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, the decision reflects a willingness to "give peace a chance."

Amid broader discussions on peace initiatives, DRC Foreign Affairs Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner expressed hope that this move would lead to concrete actions towards dialogue, especially following M23's recent withdrawal from planned peace talks in Angola due to European Union sanctions placed on some of its leaders. "We hope that this will be translated into concrete action," Wagner stated.

However, skepticism remains among DRC military officials regarding the rebels’ promised withdrawal. Some officials speculate that the M23 may simply reposition their forces rather than fully retreating. One local officer indicated that M23 might advance toward another nearby town while maintaining a presence on the ground in Walikale, which is crucial due to its proximity to valuable mineral resources.

In the context of complex geopolitical dynamics, the situation remains fluid. Previous attempts to broker peace in the region have been hindered by long-standing tensions, stemming from issues related to Rwanda’s involvement and concerns surrounding the region's mineral wealth. Although the M23 has stated its intention to uphold the ceasefire, the DRC government remains cautious about the rebels' claims, believing real action will be essential to ensure lasting stability.

This unfolding situation continues to draw international attention, especially with countries like Rwanda denying accusations of military support for the M23 rebels. As the situation develops, both local and regional actors are closely monitoring whether these latest statements from the M23 will result in a decline in hostilities in eastern DRC.

For more information, visit the original articles from SCMP, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and TRT Global.