Goma, DR Congo – Conflicting reports over the status of the strategic city of Uvira have escalated tensions in eastern Congo, leading to street protests and diplomatic exchanges. While the M23 rebel group claims to have withdrawn following a U.S. request, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has publicly dismissed those assertions.
The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), the rebel coalition that includes the M23, announced late last week that it had begun pulling its forces from Uvira in response to a request from the United States, which is mediating peace talks. It stated the withdrawal would be completed the following day.
However, addressing an ad hoc regional summit convened by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday, President Tshisekedi directly contradicted the rebels’ claim. Via videoconference, he stated that the “so-called withdrawal from Uvira does not correspond to either the facts or the observations made on the ground.”
The summit, aimed at discussing the security crisis in eastern Congo, concluded with calls for collaboration. President Museveni posted on X, stating he was “encouraged by the discussions and the strong commitment of participating countries to collaborate for lasting peace and stability.”
On the streets of Goma, however, the prospect of an M23 withdrawal—whether real or claimed—has sparked anger and fear. Since morning, residents have been demonstrating against the decision, rejecting what they perceive as external pressure, particularly from the U.S., for the rebels to leave Uvira.
Protesters, who have enjoyed relative calm in Goma under M23 influence, argue that the group provides essential security. They believe Uvira would benefit from the same “peace dividends” and are demanding that the AFC/M23 forces remain to protect civilians. Chants and placards called for the United States and President Donald John Trump (@POTUS) to stop interfering in Congolese affairs.
This grassroots sentiment is being formally channeled by civil society organizations in Goma, which are planning a large peaceful march. Their demands are clear: the maintenance of AFC/M23 in Uvira and an inclusive, Congolese-led dialogue. The march, scheduled to begin at Goma’s Stade de l’Unité and proceed to MONUSCO offices, is explicitly billed as a civilian initiative, not organized by the rebel group.
The situation presents a stark contradiction: while the national government disputes the rebels’ withdrawal narrative and regional leaders discuss diplomatic solutions, a segment of the local population is protesting in favor of the armed group’s continued presence, setting the stage for heightened political and security volatility in the region.
