AFC/M23 Leaves Uvira Following U.S. Pressure to Advance Doha Talks

written by Noel Mporebuke

The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has announced that it has agreed to withdraw its forces from the city of Uvira in South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), describing the move as a confidence-building step aimed at supporting ongoing peace talks in Doha.

In a statement released on 15 December 2025 and signed by its coordinator, Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, AFC/M23 said the decision follows progress made in the Doha negotiations, particularly the signing of the Doha Principles on 15 November 2025. The group stated that the withdrawal is intended to create a more favorable environment for dialogue and demonstrate its commitment to a negotiated settlement of the conflict.

According to the statement, the pullout from Uvira was agreed upon at the request of United States mediation, which is seeking a sustainable solution to the long-running crisis in eastern Congo a conflict that has drawn increasing concern from regional actors and the wider international community.

AFC/M23 acknowledged that despite what it described as continued provocations and violence by the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allied militias, it chose to leave Uvira to give peace talks a greater chance of success and to signal goodwill toward a political resolution.

However, the group also expressed serious concerns based on past experiences. It warned that previous confidence-building measures had, in its view, been exploited by FARDC, Wazalendo militias, and their allies, who allegedly reoccupied vacated areas and targeted civilians suspected of supporting AFC/M23.

For this reason, AFC/M23 called on international mediators to establish clear and enforceable security arrangements for Uvira following its withdrawal. These measures, the group said, should include the demilitarization of the city, protection of civilians and critical infrastructure, and strict monitoring of the ceasefire through the deployment of neutral forces.

While AFC/M23 framed the withdrawal as an effort to de-escalate tensions, the future security of Uvira remains uncertain. Observers note that much will depend on how agreed measures are implemented on the ground and whether the Doha peace talks can translate commitments into lasting stability.

The situation in eastern DRC continues to attract global concern, given its humanitarian impact, regional implications, and the risk of renewed violence if diplomatic efforts fail.