Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed to have begun a withdrawal from the city of Uvira in eastern Congo late last night. Bertrand Bisimwa, leader of the M23, said the withdrawal would be complete by today. On who would take control of the city following his forces’ withdrawal, Bisimwa said the responsibility fell to the mediators and that M23 had requested a neutral force. M23 took control of the city last week following a rapid offensive launched at the start of the month. Over 400 people have been killed, and about 200,000 displaced. Residents shared conflicting reports on the status of the withdrawal.

The US last week accused Rwanda of violating a US-mediated peace agreement signed earlier this month by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington by backing the rebels’ advance in eastern Congo. It warned that the Trump administration would take action against spoilers of the deal. The accord didn’t include the rebel group, which is negotiating separately with Congo. The accord obliges Rwanda to halt support for armed groups like M23 and work to end hostilities.