Banyamulenge Flee Uvira for Kamanyola After AFC/M23 Withdrawal

Kigali, January 24, 2026 - Members of the Banyamulenge community living in Uvira, South Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have fled to Kamanyola Center in Walungu Territory following the withdrawal of AFC/M23 fighters from the town.

The leader of the Banyamulenge community in Uvira, Muyoboke Ndatabaye, announced on January 18 via the YouTube channel “Agasaro Kaburaga” that the decision was taken due to fears of reprisals from DRC government forces and Wazalendo groups.

According to Ndatabaye, after AFC/M23 announced it would evacuate its remaining fighters from Uvira, members of the Wazalendo militias began sending messages to Banyamulenge residents, threatening to kill them and accusing them of being Rwandans who did not belong in the country.

“On Friday, gangs began to form. You could see people scattered, appearing to organize to harm others. Then yesterday we held a meeting with the population, and I informed them that AFC/M23 had decided to leave the city,” he said.

He added, “After that, people said, ‘We can’t wait any longer for the Wazalendo to attack us,’ so we decided to flee.”

Ndatabaye reported that from the morning of January 18, Banyamulenge homes and their churches were attacked by Wazalendo fighters, with properties destroyed and looted. He confirmed that many families have already fled.

“We are now in Kamanyola. No one has crossed the border. Women, children, and men are sheltering at a school. Those who wish can come and see us. Here we feel safe, even though conditions are difficult. If the Wazalendo remain there, we will continue moving until we reach the border,” he said.

Ndatabaye stated that when AFC/M23 controlled Uvira, the Banyamulenge lived peacefully, noting that prior to that, their security had been threatened by Wazalendo groups. He added that they no longer feel able to coexist with militias they say are supported by the DRC government.