Residents of Uvira Protest Planned AFC/M23 Withdrawal Following US Mediation

The AFC/M23 Coordinator, Corneille Nangaa, has announced that the group agreed to withdraw its forces from the city of Uvira following a request from a mediator representing the United States government. According to the statement, the decision was made as part of confidence-building efforts after the United States accepted to play a mediating role and requested the withdrawal of AFC/M23 forces from the city. However, the announcement has sparked strong reactions among residents of Uvira. Many civilians took to the streets in peaceful demonstrations, expressing opposition to the planned with

The AFC/M23 Coordinator, Corneille Nangaa, has announced that the group agreed to withdraw its forces from the city of Uvira following a request from a mediator representing the United States government. According to the statement, the decision was made as part of confidence-building efforts after the United States accepted to play a mediating role and requested the withdrawal of AFC/M23 forces from the city. However, the announcement has sparked strong reactions among residents of Uvira. Many civilians took to the streets in peaceful demonstrations, expressing opposition to the planned withdrawal. Protesters carried placards reading “M23 must not leave Uvira,” arguing that the group had brought relative security to the area. Demonstrators claimed that AFC/M23 forces entered Uvira as liberators, protecting civilians from abuses they associate with government forces and the administration of President Félix Tshisekedi. Protesters accused state authorities of failing to address long-standing grievances faced by local communities, including insecurity, corruption, discrimination, and human rights violations. Residents further alleged that successive governments have instead deepened divisions among the population, fostering resentment and injustice rather than providing lasting solutions to their concerns. The situation highlights the deep mistrust between sections of the population and the central government, as well as the complexity of peace efforts in eastern Congo. While international mediation is seen as a critical step toward de-escalation, events in Uvira underline the importance of ensuring that local voices and civilian protection remain central to any political or security arrangements. As discussions continue, observers warn that sustainable peace will require not only military decisions but also meaningful governance reforms and genuine engagement with affected communities.