A series of coordinated withdrawals by the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels has been reported across several positions in Uvira Territory, South Kivu Province, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The pullout, which began over the weekend, has seen the rebels vacate multiple localities, including Sange, Kabunambo, Nyakabere 1 and 2, Mutarule, Luberizi, Remera, and Bwegera in the Ruzizi Plain and Lemera Highlands. Witnesses say the fighters left with military equipment.
Additional withdrawals were reported in Sange, with fighters later repositioning in Luvungi, about 60 kilometres north of Uvira City, towards Kamanyola. Following the developments, Wazalendo fighters allied with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) moved into some of the vacated areas, including Kabunambo, Luberizi, Bwegera, Luvungi, and Remera.
Local authorities suggest the pullout may be linked to external diplomatic pressure on the armed group. Jean de Dieu Mabiswa Selemani, the administrator of Uvira Territory, said the movements could reflect shifting political or military dynamics influencing the rebels’ positions. The M23/AFC group has not officially commented on the latest withdrawals from parts of South Kivu Province.
However, on Monday night, its spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka issued a statement alleging that Noah Majagira, a cattle breeder from Tikemesho in Luberizi, was “coldly assassinated” at around 5:00 p.m. by coalition forces aligned with the Kinshasa government. The statement included a graphic image showing the victim with severe head injuries.
The latest movements come months after similar withdrawals reported in March 2026, when M23/AFC fighters vacated positions in Kitsumbiro, Kipese, Katondi, Munyakondomi, Ivatama, Ilambula, Luseke, and Musimba in Lubero Territory, as well as Pitakongo, Bunyatenge near Kirumba, and Mpety in Walikale Territory.
At the time, rebel leadership described such withdrawals as strategic troop rotations rather than retreats. The M23/AFC rebel group, which re-emerged in 2022 under Bertrand Bisimwa and Major General Sultan Emmanuel Makenga, remains engaged in ongoing conflict with government forces. The Democratic Republic of Congo government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the group—claims denied by both Kigali and M23/AFC leadership.
The group says its armed campaign is aimed at addressing corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Congolese leadership. In early 2025, it launched a rapid offensive in eastern Congo, capturing several strategic towns and heightening concerns of a wider regional escalation-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
