South Kivu: FARDC announces recaptures around Uvira after the withdrawal of the AFC/M23

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo claim to have regained control of several localities in the Ruzizi plain and on the highlands of the Uvira territory, in South Kivu, according to a communiqué from Operation Sukola 2 South South Kivu relayed on May 11, 2026. The text, attributed to Lieutenant Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji, notably mentions Mutarule, Nyakabere, Luberizi as well as the hills of Kitidia, Katobo, Mulenge and Lemera.

The same statement also claims that a drone attributed to the M23-RDF coalition was shot down in the Fizi region and the highlands. At this stage, I have not found independent confirmation of this destruction from any major open international source. Therefore, this information should be presented as a claim made by the Congolese army and relayed by the local press.

Meanwhile, rebel withdrawal movements have also been reported in Luvungi. ACTUALITE.CD reports that the AFC/M23 acknowledged withdrawing from certain areas of the Ruzizi Plain, presenting this movement as a gesture of “good faith” within the framework of the peace process and in connection with a letter addressed on May 7 to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to Reuters, this partial withdrawal over the weekend represents the first significant change on the ground in several months and has been confirmed by both the Congolese army and a rebel representative. The agency also notes that this development comes amid increased US pressure regarding the conflict in eastern DRC.

Local sources relayed by AVERTICOM also mention the departure of some administrative authorities installed by the M23 in Luvungi towards Kamanyola, while a few rebel elements are reportedly still visible but in a position to withdraw. These same accounts also mention looting prior to the withdrawal. These details are currently documented primarily by the local press and eyewitness accounts, and not by complete independent confirmation.

On the government side, the FARDC, supported by Wazalendo fighters, say they are reinforcing their positions in Mutarule to secure the population and defend territorial integrity. This redeployment is taking place in an already highly strategic area, near Uvira and close to the Burundian border.

Until the first reports were published, no detailed official reaction from the M23-AFC regarding each of the locations cited by the Congolese army had been recorded, beyond its general stance of a withdrawal presented as voluntary. The situation therefore remains fluid, with competing accounts: Kinshasa speaks of military pressure and the recapture of territory, while the AFC/M23 refers to a good-faith repositioning within the framework of peace talks.

Mwandishi: Mecamedia Africa
Soma zaidi: www.Mecamediaafrica.com