Tshisekedi Rejects Claims of AFC/M23 Withdrawal from Uvira

Kampala/Kinshasa - December 19, 2025

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has once again dismissed reports that AFC/M23 forces have withdrawn from the city of Uvira, insisting that armed elements remain present despite announcements to the contrary.

Speaking via video conference during a special regional meeting convened by Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to address insecurity in eastern DRC, Tshisekedi said available information contradicts claims of a completed withdrawal.

“Reports of the withdrawal of AFC/M23 from Uvira do not correspond to the truth or to what has been observed,” Tshisekedi stated. “The information we have indicates that armed forces are still present in the city and its surroundings, and the population continues to suffer the consequences of their actions.”

The Congolese leader argued that any declaration of withdrawal must be concrete, verifiable, and monitored, followed by the effective restoration of state authority.

“A withdrawal that is not implemented in practice, not monitored, and not followed by the establishment of government authority cannot be considered a real withdrawal,” he said.

Tshisekedi stressed that progress toward peace depends on tangible actions, not temporary or tactical moves.

“What we are waiting for is not a redeployment or a tactical withdrawal,” he added. “We want all troops on the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to withdraw completely, in accordance with existing agreements and decisions.”

The President also reaffirmed the DRC’s support for the renewed mandate of MONUSCO, emphasizing that the protection of civilians remains the top priority. He said the government would continue to take strong and effective measures, including maintaining special forces and the capacity to conduct targeted operations against armed groups.

Tshisekedi’s remarks came despite an earlier announcement that AFC/M23 had withdrawn from Uvira on December 18, 2025. The group had captured the city on December 10, forcing out Burundian troops, the FARDC, and allied groups including Wazalendo.

The seizure of Uvira triggered heightened international pressure, with European countries, the United States, and international organizations condemning the offensive. AFC/M23, which says it is fighting for the rights of Mulenge and Tutsi communities in eastern DRC, stated on December 16 that it had agreed to vacate the city at the request of the United States, while calling for measures to ensure the protection of civilians.