On December 25, 2025, fighters from the Wazalendo militia, supported by the DRC government, confirmed they had removed AFC/M23 from the area.
Winston Makufuli, the spokesperson for the fighters who appeared in Makobola, reassured the public, stating, "The people should remain calm, we have taken back Makobola. We thank President Félix Tshisekedi for sending FARDC troops to ensure the security of our country."
Although Makufuli declared that the DRC government's military had successfully removed AFC/M23 from Makobola, reliable sources confirm that the withdrawal took place without any conflict. On December 25, the area remained calm, and the residents were celebrating Christmas peacefully.
Intense fighting had erupted in various parts of Makobola on December 24, triggered by drone strikes and heavy artillery attacks launched by the DRC army and Wazalendo.
The battles occurred in areas such as Makobola 1, Makobola 2, Kiringi, and Kirambi, causing many residents to flee to safer areas, including the northern city of Uvira.
On the morning of December 26, the DRC military and Wazalendo forces launched an attack on Kalundu Port, located on Lake Tanganyika, near Uvira, using military drones.
AFC/M23 confirmed that on December 18, all their fighters had left Uvira, as part of their efforts to build trust in the peace negotiations with the DRC government in Doha, Qatar, aimed at reaching a peace agreement.
The AFC/M23 delegation returned to negotiations in Doha on December 12, but the DRC government refused to send its representatives.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/afc-m23-withdraws-from-makobola-in-fizi-territory
