FARDC Regains Control of Uvira, Denounces Looting Before AFC/M23 Withdrawal

Uvira, January 19, 2026 - The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) announced that they have regained control of the city of Uvira, in South Kivu, following the withdrawal of the Rwandan army and its AFC/M23 allies. According to the army, the city was retaken on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

In a statement, the FARDC condemned the systematic looting carried out in the city by AFC/M23-RDF forces prior to their evacuation. The army said that around twenty civilians involved in the looting were arrested and will be brought to justice.

“The FARDC are continuing their deployment in and around Uvira to consolidate positions and ensure the safety of people and property,” the statement said.

This development follows a letter sent on January 15, 2026, by the political coordinator of the AFC/M23, Corneille Nangaa, to the United Nations Secretary-General, announcing that the group was placing Uvira under the responsibility of the international community. The movement said this was part of its withdrawal decision, initially announced on December 15, 2025, and reaffirmed as part of its ceasefire commitment.

The rebellion also announced the immediate withdrawal of its “observation and surveillance unit,” declining any further responsibility for the security of Uvira.

However, Congolese authorities have expressed skepticism over this withdrawal, viewing it as an attempt to divert attention and reduce international pressure, particularly on Kigali, which Kinshasa considers the main supporter of the rebellion. On the ground, the AFC/M23 continues territorial advances and is establishing a parallel administration outside government control.

Uvira, a strategic city in South Kivu, had fallen under rebel control, strengthening the group’s hold over North and South Kivu. The city is considered a key security hub, whose control could facilitate further advances toward the Greater Katanga region, the economic heartland of the Democratic Republic of Congo.