FARDC Denounces Alleged Stratagems of Rwandan Army and AFC/M23 After Withdrawal

Kinshasa, January 24, 2026 - The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have accused the Rwandan army and its allies in the AFC/M23 coalition of employing “stratagems” aimed at perpetuating insecurity and chaos in eastern DRC, following their recent withdrawal from Uvira, in South Kivu province. In a statement released on Friday, January 23, the FARDC said these maneuvers were observed immediately after the armed groups pulled out of the city. According to the army, on the eve of their departure, the Rwandan forces and AFC/M23 rebels allegedly systematically looted Uvira, leaving the city “at the mercy of well-organized gangs of looters.” The FARDC reported that the destruction and theft targeted key state and private infrastructure, including road rehabilitation equipment and state-owned vehicles. The statement further claims that these operations were planned during a meeting on January 17, 2026, in Uvira, involving representatives of the Rwandan army, AFC/M23, and their allies Twiraného and Red Tabara. The Congolese army also rejected allegations of abuses committed by its forces against certain communities, describing them as “a blatant lie fabricated within the Rwandan army.” The FARDC said it had deployed security and protection measures for all communities, including the Banyamulenge, whom it said had “refused to be manipulated” by armed groups. This stance echoes remarks by the mayor of Uvira, who acknowledged the complexity of the security situation in the city. The mayor said that “there were imposters posing as FARDC and imposters posing as Wazalendo who harassed the population,” adding that these individuals, after returning from the city, “learned their lesson and will certainly change.” The mayor further stressed that “not all the incidents that occurred can be attributed to the regular forces, who act in accordance with human rights and the protection of civilians.” In its statement, the FARDC reaffirmed that it would “not tolerate any act of genocide planned or carried out on Congolese soil” and reiterated its “firm determination to defend the integrity of the national territory and to protect all communities and their property, even unto the ultimate sacrifice.” Following the withdrawal of the rebels, local authorities returned to Uvira and pledged to prepare for the return of Congolese refugees who had fled to Burundi during the fighting.