Congolese Army Reclaims Uvira After M23 Rebels Withdraw

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) say they have regained control of the eastern city of Uvira following the withdrawal of fighters from the M23 rebel group and its allied forces.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the military accused the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), a rebel coalition that includes the M23, of carrying out widespread looting in the city prior to their departure. The army also alleged the involvement of foreign fighters, including Rwandan troops, claims that Kigali has consistently denied.

According to the statement, 20 civilians suspected of participating in the looting have been arrested and are currently in custody awaiting trial. FARDC units have since been deployed in and around Uvira to consolidate control and protect residents and their property.

The recapture of Uvira comes nearly a month after AFC/M23 forces entered the city on December 10, later announcing their withdrawal about a week afterward. The pullout reportedly followed diplomatic pressure from the United States, which has been mediating peace efforts between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

Uvira, a major commercial hub near the border with Burundi, had been serving as the temporary provincial capital of South Kivu amid escalating fighting in the region.

Despite a peace agreement signed by the DRC and Rwanda in Washington on December 4, M23 fighters have continued to expand their presence across parts of South Kivu province.

The rebel group is reported to control large areas of eastern Congo, including the provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu, which were seized earlier this year.

The United Nations, the Congolese government, and several international partners have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebellion, allegations the Rwandan government has denied.