Confusion in DR Congo - Gov't Claims M23 Withdrawal, Rebels Deny

Conflicting accounts of M23 troop movements in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have created confusion amid difficulty of verifying battlefield developments in a complex, multi-actor conflict.

Local media and residents in North Kivu reported that M23 fighters began leaving several positions on Monday, including Lunyasenge, Bukununu, Musiya, Katondi and Kipese, after more than a year of occupation. According to Radio Okapi, citing security sources, fighters regrouped in Alimbongo, Kirumba and Kanyabayonga.

North Kivu Governor Evariste Kakule Somo described an “effective withdrawal” and linked it to “the implementation of peace agreements, particularly the US-brokered peace accords.”

M23 has rejected claims of withdrawal, stating that movements observed on front lines are routine redeployments. In a statement, the group said there is no substantive pullback and emphasized continued control over key areas.

It said the changes reflect “routine, tactical troop rotations” and reaffirmed its role in “protecting civilians” and maintaining confidence-building measures tied to the Doha process.

On Dec. 4, 2025, President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame signed a peace and economic agreement following a US-brokered deal in June 2025. Despite these agreements, fighting has persisted across North and South Kivu.

Tensions remain high despite peace efforts. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka accused government forces and allied militias of launching attacks using “kamikaze drones” in Mikenke, claiming 2 deaths and 1 injury.

This ambiguity comes as M23 maintains control over major urban centers including Goma and Bukavu, both seized in early 2025.