The AFC/M23 coalition, which opposes the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has announced that it has agreed to withdraw its forces from the city of Uvira following a request from the United States of America.
This decision was communicated in a statement issued late Monday night, December 16,2025, and signed by the Coordinator of AFC/M23, Corneille Nangaa.
According to the coalition, the decision is based on ongoing peace talks being held in Doha, Qatar, as well as recent agreements signed on November 15, 2025.
The statement reads: “In light of these achievements, and despite the continued provocations and abuses from the FARDC and its allies, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) initiate an unilateral trust-building measure in order to give the Doha peace process the maximum chance to succeed in providing lasting solutions to the conflict.”
The coalition further stated “AFC/M23 will unilaterally withdraw its forces from the city of Uvira as per United States mediation’s request.”
However, AFC/M23 expressed concern based on previous experiences in which FARDC, Wazalendo, and allied groups acted in ways that undermined similar decisions. The coalition therefore called for concrete guarantees to ensure that, once Uvira is vacated, opposing forces will not immediately re-enter the city or carry out acts of violence.
AFC/M23 also called for the establishment of firm mechanisms to manage the city, protect civilians and infrastructure, and monitor the ceasefire. It further requested the deployment of neutral forces with no allegiance to either side.
Regarding Burundian troops reportedly still present on Congolese territory, AFC/M23 stated that it cannot accept liberated areas being turned into bases or operational centers for activities that would undermine the good relations between the two countries.
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