Rwanda-backed rebels withdraw from key areas in Democratic Republic of Congo

Rwanda-backed rebels have withdrawn from several strategic areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict in the region. The rebels abandoned multiple territories north of the city of Uvira, located near the border with Burundi, signaling a potential shift in the military situation. The withdrawal has already begun to have humanitarian effects, with some Congolese families who fled to Burundi last year now starting to return home. The retreat from these key positions represents a notable change in the dynamics of the conflict that has plagued eastern Congo, where various armed groups have been active for years.