M23 rebels have begun withdrawing from the strategic city of Uvira in South Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the group and multiple news outlets report. The move comes after U.S. mediators urged the rebels to pull back as part of ongoing peace efforts in the region. 

The March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) seized Uvira earlier this month during a rapid offensive, which has contributed to hundreds of deaths and displaced roughly 200,000 people. 

M23 leaders said fighters were seen leaving the city on Wednesday night, and that the withdrawal would be completed by Thursday. The rebel leadership has called for demilitarization of Uvira, protection of civilians and infrastructure, and neutral monitoring of any ceasefire through deployment of an impartial force once they leave. 

“Movement of AFC/M23 forces out of the city of Uvira is underway and will be complete by tomorrow; we call upon the civilian population to remain calm,” M23 political leader Bertrand Bisimwa wrote on social media, urging peace and the protection of the city. 

Despite the announcement, officials in Kinshasa have questioned whether the withdrawal is genuine. Government spokespeople described the reported pullout as a “distraction” or “diversion,” alleging the move was intended to ease diplomatic pressure rather than reflect a real retreat. Congolese authorities are awaiting independent verification of the situation on the ground. 

The U.S. has been actively pressing for peace in eastern DRC. Washington has accused Rwanda of violating a U.S.‑brokered peace deal by backing the rebel advance, allegations Kigali denies. Though Congolese and Rwandan presidents signed a peace agreement earlier in December, M23 was not formally part of that accord and has continued its separate military campaign.

The conflict in eastern DRC has drawn global concern, with fears of escalation and regional spillover. Uvira’s capture by M23 came amid ongoing fighting across North and South Kivu provinces and a worsening humanitarian situation.