The Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 Mars (AFC/M23) has affirmed that it will not allow any armed groups to establish a presence in border areas in ways that could threaten good-neighborly relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its neighbors.
In a statement released on Monday, Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), said the group would temporarily withdraw its forces from the city of Uvira, responding to a request from the United States as a gesture to support peace and stability.
Nangaa reiterated AFC/M23’s commitment to lasting peace in the DRC, following recent developments around the Framework Agreement of November 15, 2025.
He acknowledged ongoing challenges, including attempts by some parties to exploit trust-building measures, but stressed the group’s dedication to finding constructive solutions to the conflict.
Highlighting past incidents where trust-building efforts were undermined by efforts to regain control over lost territories, sometimes targeting populations perceived as sympathetic to the Alliance, Nangaa called for strong safeguards. These include proper city management, protection of civilians, and neutral monitoring of the area to prevent future unrest.
