The M23 group, part of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which opposes the Kinshasa government, announced that it has withdrawn its fighters from the Walikale Center and its surroundings, but indicated that if the FARDC and their allies threaten the civilians, it would immediately return its fighters.
This statement was issued by the group yesterday evening, on Wednesday, April 3, 2025, confirming reports that had circulated earlier stating that these fighters had left Walikale.
Reports indicated that the fighters left Walikale in two phases, with the first phase departing the evening before yesterday, while the other was said to have left on Wednesday.
The statement from this group highlights that it withdrew its fighters from Walikale to respect the ceasefire declared on February 18, 2025, and to support peaceful avenues aimed at political dialogue in search of a lasting solution for peace in Eastern Congo.
The statement further calls on the residents of Walikale and their local leaders to implement measures aimed at ensuring the security of their civilians and their property.
M23 also emphasized that it remains committed to its strategy of seeking a lasting solution through dialogue, and that it stands firm on its goals of bringing peace to the areas under its control.
The group’s statement also indicated that if the Congolese forces and their allies threaten civilians in the liberated areas, they would immediately respond