The M23 rebel group has dismissed claims by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that it must withdraw its troops from eastern regions it currently controls.
On Saturday, M23 and the DRC signed a document laying out “fundamental principles” as a step toward a future peace agreement between the two sides.
Following the signing, the DRC’s Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, announced that the principles include the requirement for M23 to pull out its troops from occupied areas and allow government forces to replace them.
He wrote on his X account:
“The document of fundamental principles signed in Doha with AFC/M23 under the mediation of Qatar is based on full respect for the DRC Constitution, United Nations and African Union treaties, and international resolutions, especially UN Security Council Resolution 2773, and aligns with the Washington agreement.”
He added:
“These agreements reaffirm the red lines we’ve always defended, particularly the withdrawal of AFC/M23 from occupied territories, which will then be taken over by our state institutions (FARDC, National Police, judiciary, and local authorities).”
However, the M23, through its Secretary-General — who also signed the Doha document — denied Muyaya’s claims, calling them false.
He said:
“Nowhere in the document outlining the fundamental principles does it state that AFC/M23 is required to withdraw troops from the areas it controls.”
He continued:
“AFC/M23 will not retreat. Not even one meter. We will remain where we are.”
