M23/AFC rebels say their ongoing withdrawal from previously captured positions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is a deliberate and strategic rotation of forces, not a retreat. The statement follows a series of surprise pullouts since the beginning of the week across parts of North and South Kivu provinces.
Between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, fighters vacated positions in Kitsumbiro, Kipese, Katondi, Munyakondomi, Ivatama, Ilambula, Luseke, and Musimba—areas located 15 to 25 kilometres from Lubero Centre in Lubero Territory. They also withdrew from Pitakongo and Bunyatenge near Kirumba, as well as Mpety in Walikale Territory.
Following the withdrawals, soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), alongside Wazalendo coalition forces, moved in and took control of the abandoned positions. The unexpected developments have sparked debate among residents, with many questioning the reasons behind the move. In a statement issued early Sunday, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the movements are part of routine military operations under a broader strategic plan.
“The AFC/M23 informs national and international public opinion that the activities currently observed on various front lines are exclusively part of a normal and strategic rotation of units of the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC). The AFC/M23 reaffirms its good faith and unwavering commitment to the scrupulous respect of confidence-building measures within the framework of the Doha peace process. The AFC/M23 remains determined to defend and protect civilian populations and stands ready to neutralize any threat at its source,” Kanyuka said.
North Kivu Governor Erasto Bahati Musanga also echoed the explanation, describing the situation as a routine military rotation by the ARC. He urged residents to ignore what he called misinformation circulating on social media, allegedly spread to cause panic. Bahati called for calm, vigilance, and composure, encouraging residents to continue with their daily activities without fear.
Since the withdrawals began, relative calm has been reported along several front lines. The M23/AFC, which resurged in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, has repeatedly exchanged accusations with the Congolese government over ceasefire violations. The government continues to accuse Rwanda of backing the rebels—claims denied by both Kigali and the group.
M23/AFC says its mission is to combat corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Democratic Republic of Congo’s political leadership. In early 2025, the group launched a rapid offensive across eastern Congo, capturing several key towns and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.