Congolese Army Redeploys to Rusizi Plain After AFC/M23 Withdrawal

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have begun redeploying into several villages previously occupied by AFC/M23 fighters following the group’s withdrawal from the Rusizi Plain in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the spokesperson for Operation Sukola 2 in South Kivu, the affected areas include Sange, Nyakerebe, Luberizi, Kitidia, Katoto, Mulenge, and Lemera, all located in the mountainous Uvira territory.

Lt. Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji said FARDC forces had started returning to the region after what he described as the gradual withdrawal of AFC/M23 fighters and allied armed groups.

“Following the gradual departure of M23/AFC rebels together with their allies Twirwaneho and Red Tabara from Sange to Bwegera, the first FARDC units returned to Mutarule in Uvira Territory in South Kivu,” Kalonji stated.