FARDC Denounces “Fictitious Withdrawal” of Rwandan Forces and M23 from Uvira

Kinshasa, DRC - December 20, 2025 - The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) on Saturday accused the coalition formed by the Congo River Alliance (AFC), the March 23 Movement (M23), and the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) of staging a sham withdrawal from Uvira city and surrounding areas in South Kivu province.

In an official statement, the FARDC described the reported withdrawal as a “media diversion” intended to mislead both national and international audiences amid increasing pressure on Rwanda to respect peace agreements.

Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa Efomi, FARDC spokesperson, stated:

“This so-called withdrawal is in no way related to the reality on the ground and demonstrates Rwanda's blatant bad faith regarding its commitments under the Washington Peace Agreement.”

According to the Congolese army, the operation aims to manipulate the confidence of international mediators, including representatives from the United States and Qatar, who are facilitating talks to resolve the conflict in eastern DRC.

Continued Presence and Activities of Rebel Forces

Local reports, corroborated by NGOs, civil society, and residents, indicate no genuine withdrawal. FARDC claims that M23/AFC/RDF fighters continue to occupy strategic neighborhoods of Uvira, controlling key roads, checkpoints, and access points.

Rwandan soldiers, allegedly disguised as police or civilians, have been spotted in the city center and at the port of Kalundu, near the Burundi border.

Roadblocks and checkpoints remain active, severely restricting civilian movement and trade.

Reports of abuses-including intimidation, extortion, and arbitrary arrests-persist, alongside nighttime military patrols.

A small contingent of rebels was filmed leaving the city only to redeploy to the surrounding hills and highlands of Uvira and Fizi, attempting to bypass FARDC positions.

Clashes were also reported recently in Kasekezi, approximately 30 kilometers south of Uvira, involving Rwandan forces.

The FARDC cited a viral statement from M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma, declaring:

“The AFC/M23 will never, ever leave the city of Uvira,” as evidence of the coalition’s duplicity.

The Congolese army accused Rwanda of subterfuges, stratagems, and deceptions, asserting that these actions violate UN Security Council Resolution 2773 and the Washington Agreements.

FARDC emphasized that the coalition’s maneuvers are not only a breach of peace commitments but also a direct threat to civilians. The army reassured residents of Uvira that it is committed to restoring state authority and protecting the population, urging vigilance and encouraging the public to report suspicious activities to intelligence services.

This statement comes amid ongoing tensions in eastern DRC, where M23, supported by Kigali according to Kinshasa, has controlled several territories since 2022. Despite ongoing negotiations, repeated ceasefire violations continue to undermine regional peace efforts.