DRC Army Warns of Planned Chaos Scenarios Following M23-AFC Withdrawal from Goma and Bukavu

 

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) alerted national and international public opinion on Friday, January 23, 2026, to what they describe as schemes aimed at plunging certain areas of the country into insecurity following the withdrawal of M23-AFC rebels, particularly in the cities of Goma and Bukavu, the respective capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu.

In a press release signed by their acting spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay, the Congolese Army asserts that similar methods have already been observed in Uvira, where, according to the FARDC, acts of looting and destruction preceded the withdrawal of opposing forces, leaving the city vulnerable to organized gangs.

The FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) indicate that these actions were planned during a meeting held on January 17, 2026, in Uvira, involving, according to the statement, foreign forces, M23-AFC rebels, and allied groups. The Congolese army specifically mentions plans to destroy public and private infrastructure, as well as the removal of state-owned equipment, particularly that intended for road rehabilitation.

The statement also denounces what it presents as a disinformation campaign attributing abuses against certain local communities to the Congolese Defense and Security Forces. In this regard, the FARDC asserts that several independent media outlets reported that after the recapture of Uvira, security measures were deployed to protect all communities, including those that refused any manipulation and chose to remain in the city.

The FARDC also reaffirms its commitment to international human rights and international humanitarian law. They assert that they will not tolerate any planning or execution of acts of mass violence on Congolese soil.

Finally, the Congolese Army reiterates its determination to defend the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo and to ensure the protection of civilians and their property, affirming its readiness to undertake this mission "even to the ultimate sacrifice," according to the statement.

Wazalendo claim that the M23 are retreating in a number of directions!

 Here's how the Rwandan soldiers in Lemera split up as claimed by wazalendo:

- The first group headed towards Ndolera, Rubarika, and Rurambo, then towards Kaziba.

- The second group headed towards Rubanga, Kiringwe, and Bwegera, then towards Luvungi and Kamanyola.

- The third group headed towards Mulenge, Mugaja, and Ndegu, then towards Kageregere or Kitundu (the hills overlooking the city of Uvira).

Intelligence sources from insiders in Mai-Mai self-defense operation confirmed that those heading towards Kaziba and Luvungi-Kamanyola are Rwandan soldiers retreating back to Rwanda, while those heading towards the Middle Plateau are Twirwaneho who refused to surrender to Rwanda.

The wazalendo continue too lament that the strategic city of Uvira is once again threatened by an offensive led by Rwandan forces and their armed allies, who have taken a shortcut route through the Middle Plateaux (via Lemera → Mulenge → Ndegu → Mugaja → Kitabo) to reach the Kitundu hills overlooking the city of Uvira.

They further claim that this troop movement indicates an intention to encircle or advance on Uvira from the nearby highlands, placing the population and government positions in a very precarious situation.

The wazalendo  are thus calling upon the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) must urgently:

reinforce the positions of the Wazalendo fighters in Kigongwe,

activate and intensify air operations in the Middle Plateaux region. The wazalendo say that Local reports indicate looting of agricultural goods and domestic animals (goats, cows, chickens) in Mugaja during the passage of enemy forces, further aggravating the climate of insecurity and suffering for the civilian population.

Note: We are continuing to closely monitor this situation.

....NE....

Al-Naba news paper ,a terrorist media outlet claims that ADF rebels killed 178 people between November 22 - January 22

 In its latest publication, the Al-Naba newspaper claims responsibility, via an infographic, for attacks by Islamist rebels ADF/ISCAP against Congolese civilians, soldiers of the Armed Forces of the DRC, and Mai-Mai/Wazalendo militias in North Kivu and Ituri.

▶️ Human toll: 178 people killed, including 132 civilians (Christians) and 46 soldiers and militiamen

▶️ Attack areas: Lubero and Mambasa

▶️ Period: November 22, 2025 to January 22, 2026

▶️ Nature of attacks: 6 raids and clashes, 6 ambushes, 31 attacks, 2 bombings, and 17 arson attacks targeting 80 houses and 7 military barracks.

As a reminder, these killings took place in the areas where the joint military operations #Shujaa, targeting ADF/ISCAP fighters and conducted by the FARDC and the UPDF (Ugandan army), are being carried out.

This security crisis, which poses a regional threat, is one of the most neglected situations in the Great Lakes region, both by the national and international community, despite being one of the bloodiest conflicts of the last ten years.

The UN Group of Experts and other entities that monitor security incidents in eastern DRC have not mentioned this war in their recent reports, focusing primarily on the M23 conflict.

...NE....

Rwanda confirms it's collaboration with M23?

 

Is M23 preparing to besiege Uvira tonight?

The Wazalendo are claiming that the city of Uvira is in danger. They say that the  M23 army and its allies have taken a shortcut to reach the city.

They report that the M23 soldiers and their allies have chosen to take a shortcut through the Middle Plateaux region, starting from Lemera-Mulenge-Ndegu-Mugaja-Kitabo, heading towards Kitundu (the hills overlooking the city of Uvira).

This route they have taken leads to Kitundu (the hills overlooking the city of Uvira).

The argue that the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) must reinforce the Wazalendo (Rwandan militia) positions in Kigongwe and activate the air force in these Middle Plateaux.

They also claim that the M23 have looted goats, cows, chickens, and other property in Mugaja.

Is the US. African command set to oversee security in Uvira ?

 While the M23 are planning to attack the city of Uvira, the U.S. Africa Command is said to be heading to Uvira to establish a base for security cooperation with the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo).

According to Intelligence sources from the wazalendo , a large U.S. Africa Command base will soon be established in Uvira to bolster the military capabilities of the FARDC and Central Africa.

This U.S. military command, in collaboration with the FARDC, will assume security responsibility for the east to establish lasting peace.

Question? Is east African community risking experiencing a repeat of Venezuela in Kigali if Paul Kagame(as claimed by DRC) does not withdraw from the DRC ??

M23 to hold a series of Major meetings at Cirhezi and Alfajiri schools to study the USA resolutions on their withdrawal

Senior leaders of the M23-AFC-RDF coalition have just sent students from Cirhezi High School and Alfajiri College to hold major strategic meetings.

According to several sources on the ground, numerous military and civilian officers from the M23-AFC-RDF coalition have arrived en masse from various locations, including Goma, Rwanda, Kamanyola, etc.

It is at this meeting that the decision will be made: whether to defy the US decision and continue the war, or whether to accept cantonment.

.....NE.....