Rebels to Withdraw from Uvira City at U.S. Request

A rebel leader in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Corneille Nangaa, announced his forces will withdraw from Uvira at the US’s request, following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s condemnation of the rebels’ capture of the city. This move aims to support a Qatar-brokered peace process, while the US accuses Rwanda of backing the rebels, a claim Rwanda denies. The ongoing conflict has displaced 200,000 people and resulted in civilian casualties, as efforts to stabilize the region continue amidst a history of failed peace initiatives. The Trump administration sees potential for increased US investment in the mineral-rich area, which holds an estimated $25 trillion in reserves.

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