In a statement released by the Office of the Government Spokesperson on Sunday, Kigali expressed support for these developments, calling them steps towards fostering regional stability.
Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to working with all parties to ensure adherence to peace agreements, particularly within the framework of the Joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit process.
"Rwanda is committed to working with all parties to ensure adherence to commitments, particularly in the context of the Joint EAC-SADC Summit process and other initiatives which pave the way towards a lasting political and security settlement for the region," the statement reads.
The AFC/M23, which is part of the AFC rebel alliance, announced on Saturday that it would withdraw its forces, with spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka describing the move as a strategic decision aimed at creating a favourable environment for political dialogue.
M23 had captured the strategic town on March 19, along with the Kigoma airstrip, following its takeover of nearby areas, including Ngora, Kisima, and Mubanda.
Kanyuka urged local authorities and residents to ensure security in the aftermath of the group's departure but warned that if Congolese forces resumed attacks on civilians or M23 positions, the group would reconsider its decision and retake the city.
The latest de-escalation efforts come amid diplomatic mediation led by Qatar. On March 18 the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, hosted Rwanda's President Paul Kagame and DRC's President Félix Tshisekedi for a high-level meeting aimed at resolving tensions in eastern DRC.
A joint statement released by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the talks acknowledged progress made in the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, as well as commitments outlined during the EAC-SADC Summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8.
The statement stressed the leaders' agreement on the necessity of ceasing hostilities without further delay and their commitment to continued discussions to build a foundation for lasting peace.
AFC/M23 asserts that it is fighting against poor governance and decades of ethnic persecution targeting Congolese Tutsis and other Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the east.
Its latest offensive has led to the capture of Goma and Bukavu in recent months, prompting global calls for a political solution to the conflict in the eastern region, following heavy losses suffered by the Congolese army and its coalition forces, including SADC troops, the Burundian army, FDLR, and Wazalendo militia groups.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
