Nzibira, known for its wealth of minerals such as cassiterite and gold, was seized by the Rebel group on 22 September 2025. Although the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo says its army (FARDC) and allied militias have not yet withdrawn from the city, AFC/M23 insists that it fully controls it.

At a public meeting held in front of La Trinité Hotel, Brig. Gen. Bernard Byamungu, the deputy leader of AFC/M23, said the main reason for their actions is to protect civilians.

“Kinshasa does not want to stop the war. Planes have brought in many soldiers here; we also captured many bombs they were using against civilians.”He emphasized .

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Accused Kinshasa’s authorities of failing to prioritize peace and stressed that AFC/M23’s forces are capable of reaching Kinshasa if talks continue to be blocked.  “They have no real army; what they know is theft and persecuting civilians,” he added.

Byamungu called on those who want to fight for positive change to break away from the FARDC and Wazalendo and join the AFC/M23 so they can take part in building a new Congo.

AFC/M23 says it will pursue FARDC and Wazalendo who fled to Tshopo Province, particularly in the city of Kisangani.

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The group also announced plans to liberate Shabunda to cut off the routes that enable FARDC to move to and from the airports of Kindu and Kisangani.

Currently,   AFC/M23 says it is stationed in the high mountains surrounding Uvira and is ready to seize it at any moment. They affirm that FARDC and Wazalendo lack the capacity to stop them.

Corneille Nangaa, the coordinator of AFC/M23, recently stated that they aim to liberate the country and provide  leadership to all Congolese  based on rights and independence.