Congolese Forces Regain Control of Strategic Uvira City After AFC/M23 Withdrawal
In a swift turn of events, the Congolese army claimed victory on Monday after successfully retaking control of the strategic city of Uvira from the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 armed group. The move came after the rebel group announced its withdrawal from the city in early December, citing a US request as the reason for their departure.
However, it appears that the withdrawal was not as seamless as initially reported, with some members of the AFC/M23 remaining in Uvira until local sources began to report troop movements on Saturday. It is unclear at this point whether these personnel decided to stay behind or were persuaded by other forces.
The city's recapture marked a significant shift in the conflict dynamics in South Kivu province, where Uvira lies. According to Congolese army spokesman Mak Hazukay, around 20 civilians were arrested for looting shops and homes during the takeover.
Hazukay also stated that the FARDC will continue their deployment in the city and its surrounding areas, aiming to consolidate their positions. The move comes amid concerns about the safety of residents in Uvira, with some eyewitnesses describing sporadic gunfire echoing through the city.
Meanwhile, local authorities have accused the AFC/M23 troops of positioning themselves on strategic heights above Uvira and nearby localities, effectively placing them in a position to threaten the city. The development underscores the complex web of relationships between various armed groups operating in eastern DRC.
The recapture of Uvira by Congolese forces marks another milestone in the region's ongoing conflict, where rival factions vying for power have long plagued the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a swift turn of events, the Congolese army claimed victory on Monday after successfully retaking control of the strategic city of Uvira from the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 armed group. The move came after the rebel group announced its withdrawal from the city in early December, citing a US request as the reason for their departure.
However, it appears that the withdrawal was not as seamless as initially reported, with some members of the AFC/M23 remaining in Uvira until local sources began to report troop movements on Saturday. It is unclear at this point whether these personnel decided to stay behind or were persuaded by other forces.
The city's recapture marked a significant shift in the conflict dynamics in South Kivu province, where Uvira lies. According to Congolese army spokesman Mak Hazukay, around 20 civilians were arrested for looting shops and homes during the takeover.
Hazukay also stated that the FARDC will continue their deployment in the city and its surrounding areas, aiming to consolidate their positions. The move comes amid concerns about the safety of residents in Uvira, with some eyewitnesses describing sporadic gunfire echoing through the city.
Meanwhile, local authorities have accused the AFC/M23 troops of positioning themselves on strategic heights above Uvira and nearby localities, effectively placing them in a position to threaten the city. The development underscores the complex web of relationships between various armed groups operating in eastern DRC.
The recapture of Uvira by Congolese forces marks another milestone in the region's ongoing conflict, where rival factions vying for power have long plagued the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
just saw that Congolese army took back control of Uvira city from AFC/M23... i mean, it's like they said the wolves would come and then they went back on their word 
. but on a more serious note, can't say I'm surprised at all - this conflict is super messy and unstable, what with multiple groups fighting for power 
. anyway, hope those civilians who got arrested for looting get out of there soon 
. gotta wonder what's next in the region...
this whole thing is so messed up... like u gotta feel bad 4 all those innocent people caught in the middle. african countries need to figure out a way 2 work together instead of fighting each other. and what about dem civilians who were arrested for looting? thats just crazy 
. u would think they were the ones taking control, not the government. & whats up wit these groups positioning themselves on high ground like its some kinda battle royale 
.
they've been fighting those rwaandan backed rebels for ages, it's time they got some stability back in that region. but you gotta wonder what really went down when the rebels said they were leaving... did they just pack up and go or was there something more to it? 
anyway, now that congolese army has control, hopefully they can focus on rebuilding and helping the people in uvira rather than just maintaining their own power 
AFC/M23 is no more 
I'm literally shaking with excitement 
it's like, Congolese forces were always the heroes in this conflict 
. Those 20 civilians who got arrested for looting homes... like, what can you expect? 
at least they're not rebels trying to destroy the city 
aiming to consolidate their positions 
and I'm all about it 
u guys are so lucky to be living in this region... meanwhile, in the US they're still bickering over what's for dinner 
and I'm so here for it 