The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group announced it will withdraw from the eastern Congo town of Uvira following a request from the U.S. administration, which had criticized the seizure as a threat to mediation efforts. This move is described by the rebels as a "unilateral trust-building measure" to aid the Doha peace process.

• Withdrawal follows U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's criticism that Rwanda's actions violated the Washington Accords.
• M23 is not part of the Washington-mediated talks but is involved in separate discussions hosted by Qatar.
• A rebel source indicated a 5 km (3 miles) buffer zone would be established, with both M23 and Congolese forces withdrawing.
• General Sylvain Ekenge, spokesperson for Congo's army, stated Congolese forces still intend to regain control of Uvira.
• Hundreds of Uvira residents marched to thank M23 for driving out Congolese and allied forces.