FARDC Retakes Uvira After Heavy Clashes With Rwanda-Backed M23

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) announced on Friday, December 26, that they had regained full control of the city of Uvira in South Kivu province, following several days of intense military operations against the AFC-M23 rebellion.

According to the Congolese army, the armed group did not withdraw voluntarily but was forced out after suffering decisive defeats on multiple fronts. The operation marks a significant shift in the security situation in South Kivu, a region long affected by violence linked to foreign-backed armed groups.

Speaking to the press, Lieutenant Mbuyi Kalonji Reagan, FARDC spokesperson in the area, said rebel positions collapsed after loyalist forces recorded major victories in Makobola and carried out targeted operations at the port of Uvira.

A key phase of the offensive occurred early Friday morning at the port of Kalundu. FARDC units intercepted and destroyed two speedboats that, according to the military, were transporting military equipment originating from Rwanda. The boats were reportedly obstructing the army’s advance toward strategic positions in the city.

“This was not a voluntary withdrawal. It was the result of sustained military pressure by the FARDC,” Lieutenant Kalonji said, adding that the strikes forced both the M23 elements and what he described as their Rwandan military backers to abandon their command positions in Uvira.

Heavy losses reported among rebel forces

The Congolese army reported significant losses inflicted on the AFC-M23 coalition over the last four days of fighting. FARDC said it neutralized multiple combatants, captured 13 fighters, and recovered at least 11 weapons of various calibers.

After being pushed out of central Uvira, the rebels reportedly attempted to regroup at the former MONUSCO base in Mutema. FARDC forces subsequently dislodged them again, forcing their command structure to relocate to Kiliba, approximately 20 kilometers north of the city.

Military authorities also dismissed reports suggesting an M23 presence in Kamanyola, calling the claims unfounded and reaffirming that operations remain focused on pursuing retreating rebel units.

Restoring state authority