Tshisekedi Denies Defeat of DRC Army in Uvira Fighting

Kampala, December 20, 2025 - Kampala/Kinshasa - December 21, 2025

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has rejected claims that the Congolese army was defeated by the AFC/M23 coalition during recent fighting in the Uvira territory, South Kivu Province.

Speaking via video conference at a regional summit in Uganda on December 21, 2025, Tshisekedi said AFC/M23 forces employed combat drones and heavy weaponry during the clashes, challenging narratives that portray the developments as a military defeat for government forces.

According to the Congolese leader, the FARDC’s withdrawal from Uvira was a tactical decision aimed at limiting civilian casualties, rather than an admission of military failure.

“The DRC forces retreated for a reason - to avoid the loss of many civilian lives,” Tshisekedi said. “This choice is not a defeat or a sign of weakness. It reflects our commitment to protecting civilians under extremely difficult circumstances.”

The latest escalation began in early December 2025, when Congolese, Burundian, Wazalendo, and FDLR forces shelled areas held by AFC/M23 in Walungu territory, including Kamanyola and Kaziba, using heavy artillery.

The bombardment triggered mass displacement, with civilians fleeing toward Bukavu, while more than 1,000 people crossed into Rwanda through the Bugarama border.

In retaliation, AFC/M23 launched a counteroffensive, overrunning a key FARDC military base, seizing parts of the Rusizi Valley, including Katogota, Luvungi, Sange, and Kiliba, before entering Uvira on December 9.

Following the takeover, DRC soldiers dispersed in several directions: some crossed into Burundi, others retreated toward Baraka in Fizi territory, continuing into Tanganyika Province, while additional troops fled into the Itombwe forest. Others were reportedly captured by AFC/M23 forces.

Despite Tshisekedi’s explanation of a humanitarian-motivated withdrawal, several soldiers who abandoned positions in Uvira are accused of disobeying orders to continue fighting.

On December 19, the Kalemie Military Court in Tanganyika Province opened proceedings against 68 soldiers and 56 police officers accused of fleeing the battlefield during the Uvira clashes. Historically, such charges have carried the death penalty, highlighting the gravity of the accusations.