M23 Rebels Announce Strategic 30km Withdrawal in Eastern DRC
On March 29, 2026, the AFC/M23 rebel movement announced a strategic withdrawal of its forces from several key positions in North and South Kivu, pulling back up to 30 kilometers. The withdrawal affected localities including Minova and areas around Lubero. Rebel leadership described the move as a confidence-building measure following international mediation by the U.S. and Qatar to facilitate upcoming peace talks in Switzerland, though the rebels warned Congolese FARDC troops against reoccupying the vacated zones.
Date: March 29, 2026
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Conflict: M23 Rebellion
Category: ground battle
Severity: MEDIUM
Source: Taarifa Rwanda