Brig Gen Byamungu Returns to Uvira Amid M23 Takeover

Uvira, DRC - The remarkable story of Brig Gen Bernard Byamungu unfolded in the city where he once served as head of operations for the Congolese government army. Originally a CNDP soldier, Byamungu was integrated into government forces in 2009, but his journey would take a dramatic turn.

In May 2012, Brig Gen Byamungu returned to Uvira, his last place of residence, facing life imprisonment and the stripping of his military medals. Between 2009 and 2012, he had commanded operations for the government army across Uvira, earning notoriety in the region.

Later in 2012, Byamungu joined a new rebel group composed of former CNDP soldiers. Those who defected from the government army in Fizi and Uvira were few, and many were quickly arrested. Some attempted to flee to North Kivu, where they would later establish the M23 rebel group. Byamungu, however, opposed this move.

On May 30, 2012, a special military court was convened to try the rebels. Thousands of citizens gathered outside the military palace in Uvira as Byamungu and other senior leaders faced trial. Ultimately, eight leaders, including Byamungu, were sentenced to life imprisonment and stripped of their military ranks. They were then transferred to Bukavu and onward to Ndolo military prison in Kinshasa.

After eight years, an agreement between President Félix Tshisekedi and M23 resulted in Byamungu’s release. By December 9, 2025, the city of Uvira had fallen under the control of AFC/M23, the same group with which Byamungu aligned. Upon returning to the courthouse where he had been sentenced, he was arrested by small soldiers, who confiscated his rings and necklace following the verdict.

Meanwhile, the AFC/M23 solidified its presence in Uvira, as well as other key cities including Goma and Bukavu, asserting control over large parts of eastern DRC.