Fighters from the AFC/M23 movement, along with allied Twirwaneho forces, are reportedly withdrawing from several strategic locations across North and South Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to information circulating on social media and local sources.

In North Kivu, numerous AFC/M23 fighters were seen leaving areas including Ngungu, Lumbishi, Ruzirantaka, Kamatale, Bitagata, and Kabingo on Sunday. Government troops of the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) are reported to have moved into some of these locations shortly afterward.

In South Kivu, the group is also said to have pulled out of several towns in the Ruzizi Plain, notably Sange, Luvunge, and Kamanyola. However, these developments have not been officially confirmed by either AFC/M23 leadership or authorities in Kinshasa.

Despite the reported withdrawals, AFC/M23 has accused government forces and their allies—including the Wazalendo militia, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and Burundi’s National Defence Forces (FDNB)—of carrying out attacks against civilians.

The Congolese government has not yet responded publicly to these allegations.
According to local reports, the latest air strikes involving drones and Sukhoi fighter jets targeted the areas of Mpety and Mindjendje in Walikale territory on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

On Friday, the Congolese government announced a plan aimed at restoring state authority and governance in territories previously under AFC/M23 control, as fighting and population displacement continue to affect eastern DR Congo.