AFC/M23 Leader Says Withdrawal from Uvira Aimed at Supporting Peace Talks

Bukavu DRC, January 22, 2026 - During a meeting of AFC/M23 members in Bukavu on January 21, leader Corneille Nangaa explained that the rebel group’s decision to withdraw from Uvira was made to demonstrate willingness for peace talks.

Nangaa stated that while AFC/M23 previously captured Uvira, the withdrawal was intended to build trust in ongoing negotiations.

“In recent days you’ve heard calls for ‘Uvira, Uvira, Uvira.’ We left Uvira to show goodwill, as we have been repeatedly asked to vacate the city, demonstrating that AFC/M23 does not seek war,” Nangaa said.

He emphasized that the group maintains capable forces, noting that the decision to return to Uvira was operationally feasible, but not the ultimate goal.

“There is no doubt you have forces. Today we say we could go back to Uvira if needed. We have all the capabilities, but that is not our objective,” Nangaa added.

The rebels entered Uvira on December 9, 2025. A week later, the group announced it would withdraw at the request of the United States, which assured the continuation of peace talks. By January 17, 2026, AFC/M23 had partially left the city, awaiting the arrival of neutral forces, after which Congolese troops and Wazalendo militias re-entered Uvira.