In a surprising development, the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23) has withdrawn from Walikale-Centre, just days after capturing the strategic town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The move, announced in an official communiqué issued Saturday from Goma, cites support for peace initiatives and political dialogue—but questions remain about the real motivations behind the retreat.
Walikale-Centre, a mineral-rich hub in North Kivu, fell into rebel hands earlier this week, sparking fears of a rapid advance toward Kisangani.
However, the AFC/M23 now says it is “repositioning” its forces in line with a unilateral ceasefire declared on February 22, 2025, and to support efforts aimed at resolving the conflict through dialogue.
“The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has decided to reposition its forces from the town of Walikale and its surrounding areas,” reads the statement signed by Lawrence Kanyuka, the group’s Communication Focal Point.
Pressure Mounting on Rwanda and M23
While the group frames its decision as a gesture in favor of peace, observers note the timing coincides with increasing international pressure on both AFC/M23 and Rwanda, which the Congolese government and UN experts have repeatedly accused of backing the rebel movement.
In recent days, diplomatic voices have grown louder, demanding an end to hostilities and calling for accountability in the region.
It remains unclear whether the pullout from Walikale was influenced by mounting external pressure or part of a broader strategic recalibration by the rebels.
Regional and international actors are closely monitoring the situation for signs of sustained de-escalation or potential redeployment.
Warning
In the same communiqué, AFC/M23 called on Walikale’s community leaders to ensure the safety of civilians during the transition, and reiterated its commitment to protecting the population.
However, the group warned that any attacks by government forces or allied militias would result in an “automatic reversal” of their decision to withdraw.
The group also denounced what it described as “fake news” and “fraudulent solicitations” spread by the Kinshasa regime, framing the information war as another front in the ongoing conflict.
The rebel withdrawal leaves a power vacuum in Walikale-Centre, raising questions about whether the Congolese army (FARDC) will move in to reassert control—or whether the town could slip into instability.
Whether this signals a genuine turn toward peace or a tactical retreat under diplomatic pressure, Walikale now stands at the edge of uncertainty—symbolic of a conflict that continues to reshape eastern Congo’s political and humanitarian landscape.
