The Congolese army announced on Monday that it has successfully retaken the strategic city of Uvira after the M23 armed group, which is backed by Rwanda, withdrew its forces. This development marks a significant shift in control, as Uvira, a city with a population of several hundred thousand located near the Burundian border, was seized by M23 during its offensive that began in early December in South Kivu province. This assault unfolded shortly after a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda was signed, with the involvement of then-US President Donald Trump.
On December 17, M23 declared it was withdrawing its forces from Uvira, claiming the decision was made in response to a request from the United States. However, numerous reports indicated that M23 police and military personnel remained present in the city even after this announcement. Subsequently, on Thursday, the group shared its plans to withdraw the remaining troops, stating its aim to place Uvira “under the full and entire responsibility of the international community.”
Eyewitnesses reported troop movements on Saturday, indicating that M23 units were indeed vacating the city. By Sunday morning, local militias known as the “wazalendo,” supportive of the Kinshasa government, began to enter the southern districts of Uvira, followed later by elements of the Congolese special forces.
Congolese army spokesman Mak Hazukay confirmed the city’s complete recapture in a statement, prompting celebrations among residents as they welcomed the returning fighters amidst sporadic gunfire. Yet, the moment of jubilation was overshadowed by reports of looting in shops and homes, leading to approximately 20 arrests among those involved in the theft.
Hazukay emphasized that the FARDC will continue their deployment throughout Uvira and its surrounding areas to solidify their control. The governor of South Kivu province, Jean Jacques Purusi, expressed concern on Sunday, stating that M23 troops had positioned themselves on elevated areas above Uvira and in nearby localities, potentially threatening the city with their weaponry.
