8 months ago
M23 Rebels Still in Uvira Despite Withdrawal Pledge
The M23 rebels, who are fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said they would leave a town called Uvira.
But people living there say the rebels are still there.
The rebels want some things to change before they leave, and they say a neutral force should take their place.
The Congolese government says the rebels are just trying to trick people and take the focus off Rwanda, which is accused of helping the rebels.
The U.S. and Qatar are trying to help make peace, but fighting is still happening every day in the area.
M23 rebels have not withdrawn from Uvira despite a pledge to do so.
Residents report seeing M23 fighters around government offices and major roads.
M23 spokesperson says withdrawal depends on conditions being reviewed.
Congo's government dismisses the withdrawal announcement as a diversion.
Fighting continues daily in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
- Who
- M23 rebels, residents of Uvira, Congo's government, Rwanda
- What
- M23 rebels have not withdrawn from Uvira despite a pledge to do so
- Where
- Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo
- When
- Withdrawal was announced on Monday, rebels still present on Wednesday
- Why
- M23 rebels have conditions for withdrawal and accuse Congo of not protecting citizens
Key facts
- Rebel Group
- M23
- Location
- Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Withdrawal Announcement Date
- Monday
- Current Status
- Rebels still present in Uvira
- Mediation Efforts
- U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and Qatar
- Accusations Against Rwanda
- Backing M23 rebels
- Congo's Response
- Dismissed withdrawal as a diversion
- Ongoing Conflict
- Daily fighting in North Kivu and South Kivu
Quotes
Patrick Muyaya
Congo's communications minister
“The intention is to distract the American mediation team, which is preparing to take measures against Rwanda”
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“diversion”
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Willy Ngoma
Spokesperson for M23
“for the sake of peace”
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Bertrand Bisimwa
Leader of M23
“the withdrawal would be finished on Thursday and called on civilians to remain calm”
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Anonymous Resident
Resident of Uvira
“I can see cars moving, but to confirm that they have left, we have to wait until daylight. They have already made a lot of fuss about their withdrawal for nothing, and our hopes have been dashed”
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Corneille Nangaa
Head of the Congo River Alliance
“unilateral trust-building measure in order to give the Doha peace process the maximum chance to succeed”
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Sylvain Ekenge
Congo's army spokesperson
“There isn’t a day without fighting in North Kivu and South Kivu”
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