The M23 rebel group announced they would be withdrawing from the northern town of Walikale in efforts to push towards peace.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed efforts to de-escalate tensions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in Walikale, where M23 rebels announced their withdrawal.

The ministry praised the DRC) and Rwanda for their positive engagement and efforts to resolve the crisis through peaceful initiatives.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Qatar’s full appreciation to both DRC and Rwanda for their commitment to dialogue aimed at calming the situation in Eastern Congo,” Qatar said in a statement.

Qatar also reaffirmed its support for the Nairobi and Luanda processes, now integrated into the EAC-SADC framework, and stressed the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and international law to promote peace and stability.

Rwandan officials welcomed the M23’s withdrawal from Walikale as a step in support of peace efforts.

An official governmental statement said Rwanda would back other efforts to create long-standing political and security settlement to the regional crisis.

“Rwanda is committed to working with all parties to ensure adherence to commitments, particularly in the context of the joint EAC-SADC Summit process and other initiatives which pave the way towards a lasting political and security settlement for the region,” the statement said.

On Saturday, the rebel Alliance Fleuve Congo revealed it would reposition forces from the eastern mining town as a means of supporting peace efforts in eastern DRC.

The Congolese military also called for de-escalation to continue the Luanda and Nairobi dialogue.

M23 rebels had previously withdrawn from talks with Congolese authorities, citing EU sanctions on their leaders, and dismissed calls for a ceasefire before capturing Walikale.

The group had also captured key territories, including Goma and Bukavu, causing about 100,000 Congolese to flee, with over 7,000 people reported killed since January.

Last week, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hosted a meeting between DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame in Doha, their first face-to-face meeting since M23’s offensive.

Tensions between Rwanda and DRC, rooted in the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the subsequent Second Congo War, have lasted for decades. Qatar previously attempted peace talks in January 2023, but the meeting collapsed due to conflicting reports about Tshisekedi’s attendance.