Rwanda says M23 withdrawal from Uvira is positive step toward renewed peace talks

By The Inspirer.

Kigali, December 18, 2025 — The Government of Rwanda has welcomed the decision by the AFC/M23 coalition to withdraw its forces from the eastern Congolese city of Uvira, describing the move as a positive step toward reviving stalled peace negotiations, while denying accusations that it is involved in the fighting.

AFC/M23 announced on December 17 that it had begun pulling its fighters out of Uvira, with the withdrawal expected to be completed by Thursday. The group said the process began on December 10, with forces redeploying to surrounding mountainous areas.

Speaking to France 24, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, said Rwanda had simply observed the development like other international actors but viewed it as an encouraging sign.

“We followed this announcement like everyone else,” Nduhungirehe said. “However, the withdrawal from Uvira is a good starting point. We hope it will create the political will necessary for both sides to return to the Doha peace talks and address unresolved issues from the agreement signed on November 15.”

The minister rejected allegations by officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi that Rwanda has conducted military operations on Congolese territory, instead accusing both governments of violating ceasefire commitments through continued cooperation with armed groups.

Nduhungirehe said ceasefire violations have persisted for months, including ongoing drone and air strikes since the signing of a de-escalation agreement on June 27.

“These violations did not begin recently; they have continued uninterrupted for six months,” he said.

He also accused Burundian forces of shelling the Congolese town of Kamanyola, an incident he said forced more than 1,000 civilians to flee into Rwanda’s Bugarama sector, dismissing claims that Rwanda was responsible for the attack.

According to Nduhungirehe, a sustainable resolution to the conflict in eastern Congo requires commitment from all parties, warning against placing responsibility for peace on one side alone.

“You cannot expect de-escalation when only one party is required to respect the peace process,” he said, adding that attacks on AFC/M23 positions and on Banyamulenge-populated areas have continued despite ceasefire commitments.

The minister also outlined the scope of the Washington agreements signed by Rwanda and the DRC, which include security provisions such as the dismantling of the FDLR militia, the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, and expanded regional economic cooperation.

The economic component of the agreement envisions joint investments in infrastructure, mining, tourism, and conservation projects, including national parks.

Rwanda said it remains engaged with neighboring countries and international partners, including the United States, in efforts to secure a lasting political solution to the conflict in the Great Lakes region.