AFC/M23 Vows to Retain All Controlled Territories as Crisis in Eastern DRC Deepens

The Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) declared this morning that it will no longer withdraw from any zone currently under its control, marking a significant stand in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The statement, signed by Lawrence Kanyuka, AFC/M23 spokesperson, comes as a direct response to what the movement describes as chaos created by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) during their departure from the provincial capitals of Uvira.

M23 captured Goma in late January 2025 and Bukavu by mid-February 2025, gaining control over both North and South Kivu provincial capitals. The rebel movement has since established administrative structures in these territories, including police services and local governance systems.

The AFC/M23’s announcement represents a hardening of its position amid ongoing regional peace negotiations. In late January 2025, M23 captured Goma, and in mid-February, seized Bukavu, extending its control across much of the Lake Kivu region.

The situation in both cities has been marked by significant instability. When FARDC withdrew from areas around Bukavu, there was resistance from Wazalendo militias who opposed abandoning the city, with resulting infighting that left 17 people dead on February 19.

AFC/M23 currently controls several strategic areas in North and South Kivu, including Goma and Bukavu, as well as the Rubaya mining site, one of the world’s largest coltan deposits.

The conflict has created a massive humanitarian crisis, with at least 700,000 people displaced in the Kivu region and medical facilities overwhelmed by casualties and supply shortages.

International mediation efforts, including US-brokered agreements and regional peace initiatives, have so far failed to stop the fighting. Kanyuka has previously accused the FARDC of violating ceasefire agreements, highlighting the deep mistrust between the parties.

The movement’s commitment to retaining all controlled territory suggests a prolonged conflict ahead, with implications for regional stability and the millions of civilians caught in the crossfire.