The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) said Monday that it has regained control of the city of Uvira in South Kivu after fighters from the AFC/M23 coalition voluntarily withdrew.
The announcement came a day after AFC/M23 declared on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, that it had removed all its fighters from the city.
Following the withdrawal, local militia allied with the Congolese army reportedly looted property belonging to some residents who speak Kinyarwanda and caused damage in parts of the city.
In a statement released Monday, FARDC denied that Rwandan forces were involved and accused AFC/M23 fighters of perpetrating the looting.
FARDC said, “We regained control of Uvira on Sunday, January 18, 2026, after AFC/M23 fighters left the city.” The statement described previous accusations that implicated Rwanda in the looting as false.
The army reported that 20 civilian looters have been arrested and will be handed over to the courts.
FARDC added that it continues to deploy troops in Uvira and surrounding areas to secure military positions and protect residents and their property.
Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of AFC/M23, said in a statement released during the looting, that the coalition had expressed concerns before withdrawing. He said the group had requested the city be secured with neutral forces but claimed the request was not respected.
The situation highlights the ongoing instability in eastern DRC, where multiple armed groups operate and civilian populations often bear the brunt of conflict.
The Congolese army has vowed to maintain security in Uvira while investigations into the looting continue.
