Civilians in Uvira, a key city in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), are living under fear and uncertainty after the M23 rebel group intensified its offensive and captured the urban centre despite recent peace efforts. The city’s fall represents a significant setback in the region, disrupting daily life and contributing to a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The Rwanda-backed M23 group announced it had taken control of Uvira after clashes earlier in December, even though a recent U.S.-mediated peace agreement between the governments of the DRC and Rwanda did not include the rebels. Reports from the ground describe deserted streets, closed banks, and armed fighters patrolling key intersections, with normal economic life effectively halted.
The capture of Uvira follows a rapid offensive that has already seen the fall of other strategic locations in eastern Congo, exacerbating one of the continent’s most severe conflicts. Official estimates indicate more than 400 civilians have been killed and upwards of 200,000 people displaced since the recent escalation of hostilities, many fleeing toward neighbouring countries.
Humanitarian concerns have surged as the fighting has displaced communities and interrupted basic services, including healthcare and schooling. Aid operations face increasing obstacles, and there are rising fears of disease outbreaks and food insecurity amid chaotic conditions.
The situation also threatens regional stability: Burundi, which lies just across Lake Tanganyika from Uvira, has reported a significant influx of refugees and temporarily closed border crossings to manage security risks. The volatile atmosphere has drawn calls from international actors for renewed dialogue to prevent further escalation.
