The March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) has said it is ready to hand over Burundian soldiers captured as prisoners of war during the fall of Uvira city and surrounding areas in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Uvira and neighboring areas fell to the rebels on December 10, 2025, after nearly one and a half weeks of intense fighting. The clashes triggered a mass displacement, with thousands of civilians and some government soldiers fleeing across the border into Burundi.
M23 has accused Burundian troops of fighting alongside the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and allied militias. While Burundi has not directly responded to the accusations, it closed its border with the DRC, saying the move was intended to prevent the infiltration of elements that could threaten national security.
On Monday night, M23/AFC political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka issued a statement announcing the group’s readiness to hand over captured Burundian military personnel to the Burundian government. He also declared a unilateral ceasefire, saying it was meant to allow the safe and dignified return of displaced Congolese civilians.
Kanyuka further claimed that earlier on Monday, M23/AFC facilitated the voluntary return of more than 500 Burundian refugees to their country of origin. However, he warned that the group would not allow armed factions still active in the DRC to use territories under M23/AFC control as rear bases for launching hostile operations that could undermine good-neighborly relations.
Kanyuka also alleged that FARDC and its coalition forces carried out attacks on densely populated areas in Masisi, Walikale, and Minembwe on Monday, resulting in the killing and displacement of many civilians. The Burundian government had not yet reacted to M23/AFC’s position by the time of publishing this story.
The rebel group currently controls large parts of North and South Kivu, including the major cities of Goma and Bukavu, as well as Goma International Airport and Kavumu Airport. Since its resurgence in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, the Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23—an allegation denied by both Rwanda and the rebel group.
M23 says its struggle is aimed at addressing corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Congolese leadership. This year, the group has mounted a rapid advance across eastern Congo, capturing the region’s two largest cities and heightening fears of a wider regional conflict.
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