South Kivu Government Condemns Looting and Violations by AFC/M23

Uvira, South Kivu, DRC, January 17, 2026 - The South Kivu provincial government has denounced the systematic looting, destruction of property, and serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by the Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 rebellion in Uvira. In a statement released Friday, January 16, 2026, Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki described these acts as extremely serious and indicative of the rebels’ bad faith. Contrary to the AFC/M23’s correspondence to the UN on January 15, 2026, the government asserts that the rebels organized coordinated operations of looting in Uvira and surrounding areas, demonstrating a flagrant disregard for international humanitarian law and human rights. “The South Kivu provincial government condemns these criminal acts in the strongest possible terms; it calls upon the international community, the United Nations, the African Union, the ICC, and human rights organizations to document these events and initiate immediate legal proceedings against the perpetrators,” stated the provincial government. The government emphasized that these acts violate: Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention (prohibition of pillage) Article 52 of Additional Protocol I (protection of civilian property) Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the ICC (pillaging as a war crime) Various international instruments on property rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights The provincial government warned that these crimes deliberately exacerbate the severe food crisis, raise the cost of living, and deprive the population-mainly dependent on agriculture and livestock-of access to their land and herds, amounting to collective punishment, strictly prohibited under international law. The statement further revealed that 49 Wowo trucks and 113 Ben trucks were transported from Bukavu under the pretext of moving withdrawn soldiers to the Ruzizi Plain, but were instead used to illegally transport state and private goods to Rwanda. On the night of January 15, 34 Wowo trucks loaded with tar and trucks carrying tricycles essential for livelihoods were seized and moved across the border. Remaining goods were evacuated via Kamanyola, and livestock from the highlands and midlands was driven to Bwegera, depriving locals of essential resources. Despite the announcement of withdrawal, the AFC/M23 remained in Uvira on January 16, reinforcing positions at Kigongo, 5 km from the city towards Makobola, confirming continued military presence and control. In a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on January 15, 2026, the AFC/M23 political coordinator, Corneille Nangaa, claimed that Uvira is now under the responsibility of the international community, following their withdrawal announced on December 15, 2025, and dismantled their "observation and surveillance unit", declining future responsibility for the city’s security. This situation underscores ongoing instability in South Kivu, the continuing humanitarian crisis, and the urgent need for international attention.