Leaders of the M23 rebel group say their fighters have started pulling out of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo city of Uvira, pledging to complete the withdrawal by Thursday following pressure from the United States.
The armed group seized the strategic city near the Burundi border last week, triggering international concern as the takeover came just days after a US-brokered peace agreement between the governments of DR Congo and Rwanda aimed at easing decades of conflict in the region.
However, the Congolese government has cast doubt on the announcement, describing the reported withdrawal as a possible diversion that requires independent verification.
Residents in Uvira told reporters on Thursday morning that the situation on the ground remained unclear. Some said rebel trucks were still moving through parts of the city, raising questions about whether a full pullout was actually under way.
The capture of Uvira prompted strong condemnation from the United States, which warned of potential sanctions against Rwanda. Washington accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels — an allegation Kigali has repeatedly denied.
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa said on Wednesday that the withdrawal process had begun, while the group’s spokesman, Willy Ngoma, said the move was being carried out “in the interest of peace.”
In a public statement, Bisimwa urged international mediators and partners to ensure Uvira is protected from retaliation, renewed violence, or the re-entry of armed forces once the rebels leave.
A member of local civil society, speaking anonymously for security reasons, confirmed that some M23 fighters had started withdrawing, but noted that police units linked to the group were still active in the city.
Another resident voiced scepticism, saying the rebels appeared to be reinforcing their presence rather than leaving.
“They are still here,” the resident said. “Just yesterday, police trucks were coming into the city.”
DR Congo government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the announcement appeared designed to mislead US mediators who are considering action against Rwanda. While he described the prospect of withdrawal as a “positive signal,” he stressed that the government must confirm the facts on the ground.
He earlier warned against accepting the claim at face value, calling for vigilance and questioning where the rebels were going, how many were involved, and what they might leave behind.
The United Nations says the fighting around Uvira has left dozens dead, more than 100 people injured, and forced over 200,000 residents to flee their homes. At least 30,000 civilians have reportedly crossed into neighbouring Burundi.
The offensive unfolded despite a peace agreement signed on 4 December in Washington by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi, at a ceremony hosted by US President Donald Trump.
The M23 rebels were not signatories to that deal, but they have been involved in a separate peace initiative led by Qatar, a close US ally with strong diplomatic ties to Rwanda.