Rwanda welcomes M23 rebels’ decision to withdraw from eastern DR Congo town of Walikale
Government pledges support for other initiatives that pave the way for a lasting settlement of the crisis in region
KIGALI, Rwanda
Rwandan authorities on Sunday welcomed the M23 rebel group's decision to withdraw from the strategic mining town of Walikale and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s move to halt hostilities in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
A statement by the office of the government’s spokesperson said Rwanda supports other initiatives which pave the way towards a lasting political and security settlement for the crisis in the region.
“Rwanda welcomes the M23's announcement on the repositioning of its forces from Walikale in support of peace initiatives underway, as well as the DRC's announcement that all offensive operations by FARDC (government forces) and Wazalendo (pro-government militia) will be halted,” the statement said.
“Rwanda is committed to working with all parties to ensure adherence to commitments, particularly in the context of the joint EAC-SADC Summit process and other initiatives which pave the way towards a lasting political and security settlement for the region.”
The Alliance Fleuve Congo, a rebel alliance that includes M23 rebels, announced Saturday its intention to “reposition” its forces from the town of Walikale and its surrounding areas, saying it was in support of peace initiatives aimed at fostering conditions conducive to political dialogue addressing the root causes of the conflict in eastern Congo.
Following the rebels’ announcement, the Congolese military also said it has called on the Congolese self-defense forces to de-escalate to give priority to peace talks and the continuation of the Luanda and Nairobi dialogue processes.
Since it intensified its offensive last year, the M23 rebels, at the center of the conflict in eastern Congo, have seized significant territory in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.
Congo and others accuse neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group. Rwanda, however, denies the allegations.
Last week, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for a ceasefire during surprise talks mediated by Qatar's emir in Doha, the latest meeting since the M23 seized the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu this year.
In less than three months, the number of Congolese fleeing the conflict to neighboring countries has surged to over 100,000, the UN said Friday.
