AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa denies sending envoys to Burundi

Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, leader of the Revolutionary AFC/M23, has denied reports that his movement sent envoys to meet Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye. The denial comes in response to a report by Africa Intelligence, which claimed that AFC/M23 warned Burundi not to interfere in a planned offensive to capture Uvira, a strategic city in eastern DRC.

According to the report, AFC/M23 allegedly threatened that Burundian forces would be treated as hostile if they intervened. Nangaa dismissed these claims during a press briefing on October 23, 2025, stating:

“We are not in talks with Bujumbura. We are negotiating with Kinshasa.”

The controversy follows recent declarations by AFC/M23 leaders signaling a possible military campaign to seize Uvira. Busu Bwa Ngwi, Governor of South Kivu under AFC/M23, quoted Gen. Maj. Sultani Makenga as saying:

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“Go speak to our brothers in Kamanyola. Tell them we’re coming for Uvira soon.”

These statements have heightened fears of renewed conflict in the region, especially as humanitarian corridors in Minembwe have reportedly been blocked by forces from RDC, Burundi, FDLR, and Wazalendo militias.

While AFC/M23 claims to be engaged in peace talks with the Tshisekedi government in Doha, Qatar, Nangaa accused Kinshasa of continuing military operations against civilians in eastern Congo. He stated:

“These attacks violate the Doha resolutions and show Kinshasa’s commitment to a military solution.”

Nangaa warned that if the attacks persist, AFC/M23 will respond militarily to protect civilians, reaffirming the group’s founding mission.

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