Pro-Government Forces Reportedly Enter DRC's Uvira After M23 Announcement of Withdrawal
Pro-Government Forces Reportedly Enter DRC's Uvira After M23 Announcement of Withdrawal
The Wazalendo militias, allied with the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), arrived in the city in South Kivu province on January 18, according to local sources and Congolese media.
However, the FARDC has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.
They took control of the city early in the morning, followed by the FARDC's entry in the afternoon, according to these sources. Scenes of jubilation were reported in some neighborhoods.
The withdrawal of the AFC/M23 was announced by the group itself in the preceding days, presented as a unilateral gesture intended to facilitate peace negotiations.
However, the governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi, accused the rebels of leaving armed elements in civilian clothes to sow chaos and organize looting.
Looting and isolated shootings were also reported in the city.
Provincial authorities are urging caution and advising the public to wait for official instructions.
Uvira, a strategic city recaptured by the AFC/M23 at the end of 2025, thus appears to be returning to pro-Kinshasa control amidst high security tensions in eastern DRC.
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