In a statement released on Thursday, April 3, 2025, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stressed that the rebel group had repositioned its forces in the area but warned that any aggression from Kinshasa would lead to immediate retaliation.
"The Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) informs the Congolese people that, contrary to what is circulating on social media, we have implemented our decision to reposition our forces in Walikale and its surrounding areas, in accordance with our press release.
"If the Kinshasa regime forces continue their provocations or attacks against civilians in the liberated areas as well as against our positions, this gesture of goodwill will be automatically rescinded, and we will eliminate the threat at its source," Kanyuka stated.
The warning follows accusations made by M23 on March 23, alleging that the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) violated the ceasefire by deploying attack drones in Walikale â€" a move the rebels insist poses a direct threat to peace efforts in eastern DRC.
"Contrary to what was stated in the press release of Sunday, March 23, 2025, the FARDC and its coalition forces have not withdrawn their attack drones from Walikale. This situation is delaying the repositioning of AFC/M23 forces in the area," Kanyuka emphasized.
He further described the continued presence of attack drones as a "major obstacle to compliance with the ceasefire," warning that it could derail ongoing peace negotiations.
M23 had seized control of Walikale on March 19, 2025, including the strategic Kigoma airstrip, after capturing surrounding areas such as Ngora, Kisima, and Mubanda.
The decision to withdraw was described by the group as a "strategic decision aimed at creating a favorable environment for political dialogue."
Despite the withdrawal, M23 urged local authorities and residents to maintain security in the region. Kanyuka further warned that the rebels would reconsider their decision and reoccupy Walikale if the Congolese forces resumed attacks on civilians or M23 positions.
Meanwhile, the Congolese government and M23 rebels are scheduled to hold direct talks on April 9 in Doha, the capital of Qatar as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace in the eastern Congo.
The meeting will mark the first direct negotiations between the two sides since the rebels captured two provincial capitals in eastern Congo.
Previously, Kinshasa had dismissed the idea of dialogue with the group.
An earlier meeting planned in Angola on March 18 was abruptly canceled after M23 withdrew in protest against European Union sanctions imposed on its leaders.
However, diplomatic efforts gained momentum after a surprise meeting in mid-March between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame in Doha.
Qatar has since facilitated separate meetings with delegations from both the Congolese government and the rebels, paving the way for the upcoming direct negotiations.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
