AFC/M23 Explains Withdrawal from Uvira Amid Security Concerns

Uvira, DRC - January 21, 2026 - The AFC/M23 coalition, which has been fighting the DRC government, explained the reasons behind its withdrawal from Uvira town before the arrival of neutral forces. Spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka told researcher Dr. Bojana Coulibaly that the coalition had planned to leave a monitoring group in the city to maintain security, but mediators refused, demanding a full withdrawal. “There was politics behind it. We explained that we were not leaving Uvira to abandon residents, but they did not allow our group to stay,” Kanyuka said. The coalition emphasized that it complied with all requirements, taking serious measures to ensure safety, and dissociated itself from any violence that occurred after its departure. Kanyuka expressed regret over atrocities committed by Wazalendo groups and DRC forces, including looting, destruction of homes and churches, and torture since January 18, 2026. The withdrawal plan had initially been announced on December 16, 2025, with the coalition leaving by January 17, 2026, after waiting for the neutral forces to arrive.