AFC/M23 Claims Discovery of Belgian-Supplied Weapons Near Uvira

January 3, 2026 - The AFC/M23 movement claims that its fighters discovered a cache of weapons allegedly supplied to the Democratic Republic of Congo by Belgium during their advance toward Uvira, according to statements by Dr. Balinda Oscar, Deputy Spokesperson of the AFC/M23. Dr. Balinda asserted that, as fighters reached the Luvungi area, less than 10 kilometers from Uvira, they came across military equipment still packed in boxes, allegedly stored in a school and not yet deployed. He claimed the weapons had been provided by Belgium to the DRC. According to the AFC/M23 official, the capture of Uvira followed what he described as provocations by Congolese forces, including airstrikes in Kamanyola that reportedly caused civilian casualties and property destruction. He alleged that Burundian elements had joined the fighting, prompting the movement to resume hostilities after a period he described as ten months of calm in parts of Kamanyola and Katogota. Dr. Balinda further claimed that the coalition opposing the AFC/M23 lacked combat experience, alleging that some Wazalendo fighters were civilians without adequate training, and accusing Burundian Imbonerakure of operating in military uniforms. He also alleged that a significant portion of the AFC/M23’s equipment is obtained from the battlefield, claiming that some FARDC officers abandoned or sold weapons-an assertion he linked to ongoing judicial proceedings against senior officers. Addressing Belgium’s role, Dr. Balinda accused Brussels of maintaining political and military support for Kinshasa, citing historical ties and what he described as a close relationship with President Félix Tshisekedi. He used strong language to claim that Congolese sovereignty had been compromised, framing the conflict as a renewed struggle for independence. Despite these accusations, Dr. Balinda stated that the AFC/M23 supports peace talks with the Congolese government and insisted that the movement does not seek to seize power, but claims to be fighting for the rights of the Congolese people.