AFC/M23 denies troop withdrawal in eastern DRC, dismisses reports as misinformation

North Kivu, DR Congo, March 29, 2026 - The AFC/M23 rebel group has denied reports that it is withdrawing fighters from areas under its control in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The claims, circulated in local media over the weekend, suggested that M23 forces were redeploying from several locations in Lubero territory to other positions, allegedly under international pressure. In a statement, North Kivu Governor Erasto Bahati dismissed the reports, describing ongoing movements as routine military rotations rather than a withdrawal. Authorities said the information circulating on social media was intended to create confusion among the population, urging residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities. The situation in eastern DRC remains tense, with ongoing military operations and competing narratives surrounding developments on the ground.