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The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a plan to gradually restore state authority in the eastern city of Uvira and surrounding areas, following the withdrawal of Rwandan forces and their allied M23 fighters.
The Congolese government, in a statement, said the plan would combine “coordinated security, judicial and humanitarian measures” aimed at restoring security, protecting civilians and promoting social stability in the area.
Authorities said the move follows “the forced withdrawal of the Rwandan army and its P’AFC/M23 auxiliaries from the city of Uvira.” According to the statement, the pullout was preceded by “repeated and systematic acts of looting, large-scale theft, the creation of premeditated disorder, the maintenance of a persistent climate of insecurity, and actions of community stigmatisation.”
The government said these actions meant the withdrawal “cannot be considered an act of good faith, nor a step likely to reflect a sincere desire for appeasement.” It added that the situation in Uvira should not be “considered the end of the aggression, nor a substantial change in the overall security situation.”
According to the government, the only acceptable outcome remains “the complete, effective and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan forces and their proxies from the entire territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” using United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773, the Washington Agreement of June 27, 2025, and the Doha Process.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), the Congolese National Police, and other security services are “continuing their gradual and orderly return” to Uvira and nearby areas, the government said.
It noted that their role is to “restore the authority of the State, ensure the safety of people and their property, and contain the harmful effects” left behind after the withdrawal.
The government also accused Rwandan forces and M23 fighters of deporting civilians, including members of the Banyamulenge community.
The government also called on the population to remain calm and avoid “falling into the trap of manipulation, disinformation, or stigmatising rhetoric” that could “fuel tensions and serve the interests of the enemy.”
