M23 Declares It Will Not Withdraw from Any Additional “Liberated Territories”, Rejects FARDC Claims of Chaos in Eastern DRC

The rebel coalition Alliance Fleuve Congo / M23 (AFC/M23) has announced it will no longer withdraw from any additional “liberated territories”, explicitly naming major cities such as Goma and Bukavu, in a sharp policy shift that heightens tensions in eastern DRC.

The declaration comes as the group rejects accusations by the Congolese army (FARDC) that its recent pullout from Uvira was a manoeuvre to provoke instability.

In a statement dated 26 January and signed by spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, AFC/M23 said the FARDC’s claims were part of a coordinated “disinformation campaign” by the Kinshasa government. The group released photographs and documents on X (formerly Twitter) that it said showed calm and public order in its zones of control.

M23: Uvira Exit Was a Good‑Faith Gesture

The group insisted that its 17 January 2026 withdrawal from Uvira — a key South Kivu town near the Burundi border — was a unilateral, confidence‑building gesture under the US‑brokered Doha framework.
AFC/M23 said the process was peaceful, transparent, and conducted in the presence of witnesses, denying claims that it left civilians exposed or intended to exploit any subsequent instability.

“The AFC/M23 has scrupulously honoured its commitments,” the statement said, dismissing FARDC allegations of an orchestrated plan to create chaos.

Group Accuses FARDC and Wazalendo of Post‑Withdrawal Abuses

Instead, AFC/M23 accused FARDC‑aligned forces — including Wazalendo militias, Burundian units, and unidentified armed actors — of launching looting, targeted violence, ethnic persecution and destruction of property immediately after the M23 pullout.
The group claims the abuses disproportionately targeted members of the Banyamulenge (Congolese Tutsi) community, forcing thousands into displacement or into M23‑controlled territories for protection.

AFC/M23 contrasted these allegations with what it characterised as restored stability, functioning schools, reliable electricity/water, and lower food prices in areas under its administration.

Independent Reports Support Civilian Concerns

A Human Rights Watch report on 20 January corroborated fears for civilian safety, warning that residents in Uvira were at “grave risk” from abusive Wazalendo militias following the rebel withdrawal. HRW documented harassment, threats, and property seizures targeting those suspected of sympathising with M23.

FARDC authorities, however, have denied accusations of abuses, insisting they are restoring state authority in accordance with national sovereignty.

Ceasefire Strains and Escalating Accusations

The exchange of allegations comes amid a fragile ceasefire marked by mutual distrust.
M23 claims FARDC carried out drone strikes — including a 14 January hit on Kalundu port — and attacks in Lubero, Masisi and the Hauts Plateaux. FARDC denies these assertions, accusing M23 of staging provocations to justify holding territory.

M23’s announcement that it will not withdraw from any other areas marks a major diplomatic setback, as previous disengagements were central to the Doha roadmap.

Implications for Peace Efforts

With both sides trading accusations and international mediators urging restraint, the path to renewed talks appears increasingly uncertain.
While the reopening of Uvira’s lake port and border routes has been welcomed by traders, insecurity, looting and displacement continue to overshadow potential gains.

Eastern DRC remains one of the most volatile conflict zones in Africa, where propaganda battles, territorial disputes and fragile truces complicate efforts to build trust, protect civilians and advance meaningful negotiations.