The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has announced that it has decided to withdraw its forces from the city of Uvira, stating that the decision was taken in response to a request by the United States, which is acting as a mediator in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The city had been under the control of AFC/M23 for nearly a week, after Uvira—where Congolese government forces, Burundian troops, and Wazalendo fighters had been stationed—was taken, prompting those forces to leave the city to save their lives.
On the night from Monday into Tuesday, AFC/M23 announced that it had resolved to pull out of Uvira, explaining that the decision was based on the request by the United States, in order to allow room for diplomatic efforts.
This announcement follows a meeting held on Friday last week, during which the United States representative to the United Nations condemned the capture of Uvira and accused Rwanda of violating the Washington agreements and destabilizing the region. These accusations were later echoed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that the United States would use all available means to ensure that the signed agreements are implemented.
In its statement, AFC/M23 called for measures to be put in place to prevent Congolese government forces and their allies, including the Wazalendo, from launching further attacks on areas under its control or against local civilians.
The group also said it seeks good relations with neighboring countries, particularly Burundi, and stated that it would not allow hostile armed groups to use areas under its control to launch attacks. AFC/M23 further announced that it is ready to release Burundian soldiers captured during the fighting.
