Busu Bwa Ngwi Patrick, the South Kivu governor appointed by AFC/M23, disclosed this on Thursday, October 9, 2025, while handing over an electricity transformer to residents of Kamanyola Centre in Walungu territory.
Governor Busu told residents that the rebel coalition remains committed to removing the 'bad government' of President Félix Tshisekedi and invited willing citizens to join the movement. He added that the coalition's military commander, Gen. Maj. Sultani Makenga, tasked him with informing the local population that operations to take Uvira would begin soon.
'In a few days, we will move to capture Uvira,' Busu quoted Gen. Maj. Makenga as saying.
The announcement comes amid a strong presence of FARDC forces in Uvira and surrounding areas, supported by Burundian troops and local militias, including Wazalendo fighters led by William Yakutumba and John Makanaki, who have vowed to resist any incursion by AFC/M23.
Prof. Stanislas Baleke, a senior AFC/M23 leader, urged the commanders to leave Uvira promptly to avoid casualties. 'Flee immediately when you hear the first gunshot. I don't want you to die,' he said.
AFC/M23 has recently clashed with Wazalendo forces across South Kivu, capturing areas including Chulwe, Kintuluku, and Lubimbe near Shabunda and Mwenga centres.
The latest developments come amid efforts to silence the guns in eastern DRC through dialogue in Qatar, which have been hampered by setbacks and counter accusations of ceasefire violations.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/afc-m23-signals-intention-to-capture-uvira-in-the-coming-days
