Kinshasa, January 19th, 2026 (CPA). – The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) regained control on Sunday of the town of Uvira in South Kivu, in the east of the country, which had been looted and sabotaged by the coalition of the Rwandan army and the M23-AFC, who had occupied it since December 9th, 2025, according to a statement from the FARDC. « The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo inform both national and international opinion that on Sunday, January 18th, 2026; they took control of the town of Uvira, in South Kivu, following the withdrawal of the Rwandan army and its AFC/M23 auxiliaries. Furthermore, they deplore the systematic looting of the city by AFC/M23-RDF coalition soldiers prior to their evacuation, » read the statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Mak Mongba, acting spokesperson for the FARDC. According to him, around 20 civilian looters were also arrested and will be brought to justice. According to the Congolese army spokesperson, the FARDC is continuing its deployment in the town of Uvira and its surroundings in order to consolidate its positions and secure people and their property.
Furthermore, the command of the 33rd military region noted that before taking up positions to restore order, the FARDC had been welcomed by a jubilant population, relieved and filled with hope for a gradual return to peace after days of anxiety and uncertainty under the yoke of this coalition, which had never respected the rights of the population. It called for collaboration between the population and state services. “The command of the 33rd military region urges residents to collaborate closely with the security services and to report any suspicious movements or behavior,” urged Captain Bijanu, before reaffirming the loyalist forces’ commitment to defending the integrity of the national territory and protecting civilians. Human Rights Watch had already warned, when the city of Uvira was taken by the coalition of the Rwandan army and the M23/AFC, that civilians were exposed to serious risks of abuse.
In addition to the reported abuses and other violations, this coalition left the city looted and sabotaged, whereas in December, the FARDC had withdrawn with total respect for the population and their property.