The group stated the decision aligns with the ceasefire declared in February and supports peace efforts.

The Congo River Alliance announced on Saturday that its forces will be repositioned away from Walikale and its surrounding regions.

Although the Congolese government welcomed this development, their optimism is tempered by M23’s recent withdrawal from planned discussions with Congolese authorities in Angola, attributed to imposed sanctions by the European Union on M23 leaders and Rwandan officials.

Had talks proceeded, it would have marked M23’s first direct negotiation with DRC’s government following President Felix Tshisekedi’s shift in stance against engaging with rebels.

This decision is consistent with the ceasefire declared in February and supports peace initiatives, the alliance claimed in a statement that was met with skepticism by DRC army officers.

A senior, unnamed member of the alliance told Reuters that repositioning involves withdrawal “to give peace a chance,” but refused to disclose specific withdrawal details.

“We seek for Walikale and its environs to remain demilitarized,” the source stated. “If FARDC (DRC’s military) and their allies return, it suggests a desire to restart hostilities.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “We will see whether M23 will indeed leave Walikale and whether they will prioritize dialogue and peace. Thus, we hope this will lead to concrete actions.”

Walikale marks the farthest western reach of the rebels in a significant advance that has witnessed the rebellion overrun eastern DRC’s two largest cities since January.

The town’s capture positioned the rebels just 400km (250 miles) from Kisangani, the country’s fourth-largest city boasting a major port on the Congo River, located approximately 1,500km (930 miles) upstream from the capital Kinshasa.