Congo rebels leave strategic town ahead of planned Doha talks
ReutersAPR 10
DR Congo: M23 Withdraws From Walikale Ahead of Planned Peace Talks
Above: A M23 soldier stands at the Coltan mining pits in Rubaya. in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on March 5, 2025. Image copyright: Camille Laffont/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Congolese people continue to suffer in eastern DRC as millions have been forced out of their homes over the past three years—dialogue is crucial to break this never-ending cycle of violence. It's about time to address the root causes of this conflict, such as the legitimate grievances of rebels and Rwanda's interference in the country.
Opposition narrative
M23 is committed to peace negotiations, and its withdrawal from Walikale ahead of planned peace talks reasserts just that. Yet, Kinshasa may rest assured that provocations or attacks against civilians in the liberated areas and its other positions will trigger a strong response to eliminate the threat at its source.