The Congolese anti-government armed “M23 Movement” confirmed on the evening of the 17th that the group had begun to withdraw from Uvira, a major town in South Kivu province in the eastern part of the country. Bertrand Bisimwa, the political leader of the “M23 Movement”, said on social media that the organization is leaving Uvira and is expected to complete the evacuation operation on the 18th. The organization called on local civilians to remain calm and requested all parties concerned to take measures to ensure that Uvira is protected from violent clashes, acts of reprisals, and the threat of re-militarization.

The Congolese anti-government armed “M23 Movement” confirmed on the evening of the 17th that the group had begun to withdraw from Uvira, a major town in South Kivu province in the eastern part of the country. Bertrand Bisimwa, the political leader of the “M23 Movement”, said on social media that the organization is leaving Uvira and is expected to complete the evacuation operation on the 18th. The organization called on local civilians to remain calm and requested all parties concerned to take measures to ensure that Uvira is protected from violent clashes, acts of reprisals, and the threat of re-militarization.