A rebel leader in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has stated that his fighters will withdraw from the key city of Uvira at the request of US officials. Corneille Nangaa's announcement follows a declaration by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the capture of Uvira by rebel forces violated a peace agreement. The US administration has expressed its commitment to ensuring the terms of the agreement, dubbed a 'historic' deal, are upheld. The withdrawal is framed by Nangaa as a trust-building measure intended to facilitate a parallel peace process led by Qatar.
The ongoing conflict has led to approximately 200,000 people fleeing their homes, amidst rising casualties. The rebels, identified with the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) coalition, had recently captured Uvira, a strategically important city near Burundi's border, marking a significant blow to the DR Congo's army.
Nangaa has called for a neutral force to supervise the area post-withdrawal to prevent the Congolese military from reclaiming lost territory. The US State Department notes that the region holds substantial mineral wealth, with estimates of $25 trillion in resources, underscoring the geopolitical stakes involved.
This development illustrates the complexities of foreign influence and internal strife in the DRC, as international efforts continue to address the humanitarian crisis emanating from decades of conflict.
The ongoing conflict has led to approximately 200,000 people fleeing their homes, amidst rising casualties. The rebels, identified with the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) coalition, had recently captured Uvira, a strategically important city near Burundi's border, marking a significant blow to the DR Congo's army.
Nangaa has called for a neutral force to supervise the area post-withdrawal to prevent the Congolese military from reclaiming lost territory. The US State Department notes that the region holds substantial mineral wealth, with estimates of $25 trillion in resources, underscoring the geopolitical stakes involved.
This development illustrates the complexities of foreign influence and internal strife in the DRC, as international efforts continue to address the humanitarian crisis emanating from decades of conflict.
