Burundi has accused the AFC/M23 coalition of attempting to mislead the international community following its announcement that it had withdrawn its fighters from the city of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Édouard Bizimana, dismissed the claim as false, arguing that the statement was designed to deflect growing diplomatic pressure.
In a message shared on X, he said the announcement was intended to “deceive the international community, including the United States leadership and all actors seeking lasting peace in the region.”
Bizimana maintained that AFC/M23 fighters, whom Burundi alleges are backed by Rwanda, have not left Uvira, adding that there is no evidence of a genuine withdrawal.
He argued that the move was part of what he described as Kigali’s broader effort to ease international scrutiny amid mounting criticism.
The Burundian minister’s comments came shortly after AFC/M23 issued a statement late Monday, December 16, 2025, announcing what it termed a voluntary withdrawal from Uvira.
The group described the move as a “confidence-building measure” in support of peace talks currently underway in Doha, and said it was responding to calls from United States mediators.
However, AFC/M23 attached conditions to the withdrawal, citing the need to ensure civilian protection, safeguard key infrastructure, and deploy neutral forces to monitor compliance with a ceasefire.
The group also warned it would resume military operations if Congolese government forces (FARDC), Wazalendo militias or their allies attempted to retake areas under its control.
The dispute has unfolded against the backdrop of intensifying diplomatic pressure on AFC/M23. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the attack on Uvira as a “serious mistake,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it violated the Washington agreements signed earlier this month between Kinshasa and Kigali, which were intended to restore a durable ceasefire.
AFC/M23’s capture of Uvira has raised fresh concerns about the risk of a wider regional escalation in the Great Lakes region, particularly as it came only days after the Washington agreements aimed at reducing tensions and stabilising relations between the DRC and Rwanda.
