M23 demands peace negotiations after seizing Bukavu

After taking over South Kivu Province’s capital, Bukavu, on Sunday, February 16, the AFC/M23 rebel movement in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has demanded direct peace negotiations with the Congolese government.

AFC/M23 announced in a statement issued Sunday night that its soldiers had advanced into Bukavu in order to “restore security” and “assist the population,” adding that government forces and their supporters had left the city after spreading chaos, committing killings, and plundering.

“To the great satisfaction of the entire population, our forces have been working to restore the security for the people and their property since the morning of Sunday, February 16, 2025,” AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated in the statement.

The group reaffirmed its need for communication with the Kinshasa government in order to promote governance reforms and address the underlying causes of the protracted violence.

In addition, AFC/M23 extended an invitation to political and social groups that opposed the administration of President Félix Tshisekedi to participate in what it called a “constitutional struggle” for reform.

Recent days have seen intense fighting between the rebels and the government alliance, which consists of Wazalendo and FDLR militias as well as Burundian forces, in the area surrounding Bukavu.

After capturing Kavumu airport on Friday, which is roughly 25 kilometers from the city center, M23 took control of Bukavu city. The rebels called on Burundian troops to leave DR Congo on Saturday, claiming that their presence was unnecessary.

According to the rebels, they would defend themselves and any military action against their locations might jeopardize peace attempts.

The terms for a truce will be fulfilled, Kanyuka said, “if the [Congolese army] and their allies give up their failed military campaign.”

Despite recent setbacks, such as the January 27 surrender of Goma city in North Kivu, the Congolese government has refused to engage in talks with the rebels, claiming that doing so would be unacceptable.