Uvira, DRC — The AFC/M23 rebel coalition has formally announced its capture of the strategic city of Uvira, marking one of the most significant turning points yet in its intensifying confrontation with President Félix Tshisekedi’s government. The takeover, confirmed on Wednesday, December 10, signals a deepening crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as rebel forces expand their territorial reach in South Kivu.
The freedom fighters Call Seizure a “Liberation” and Invite Civilians to Return
In an official statement, Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the AFC/M23 coalition, framed the operation as a liberation effort aimed at restoring security for civilians who had fled recent violence.
Kanyuka urged residents who escaped the fighting to return, promising that rebel forces were deployed to maintain order and ensure public safety.
“For more than three months, we have drawn attention to the spread of hate speech, targeted attacks, and massacres in territories previously liberated from the Kinshasa regime and its ally, Burundi,” he said. “That threat has now been removed. Uvira is liberated.”
A Deep Advance After a Year of Rebel Gains
The fall of Uvira—South Kivu’s second-largest urban center—marks the coalition’s deepest push into the province since February. The capture follows a series of rapid gains earlier in the year, including M23’s high-profile takeover of Goma in January and the subsequent seizure of Bukavu in mid-February.
For years, Uvira has served as a critical stronghold for government forces along the southern operational axis, making its loss a major strategic setback for Kinshasa.
AFC/M23 Accuse Government of Ceasefire Violations and Political Manipulation
One day before the announcement, AFC/M23 leaders held a press briefing in Goma, where they accused the Congolese government of committing more than 30 ceasefire violations since July 2025. According to the rebels, these incidents reflect what they describe as a “deliberate political strategy” designed to undermine stability and justify renewed offensives.
Corneille Nangaa, the group’s political coordinator, also condemned the rise of identity-based tensions, saying confrontations have been fueled by harmful narratives distinguishing so-called “natives” from “non-natives.” He claimed that Kinyarwanda-speaking communities have been disproportionately targeted by government forces.
Burundi Accused of Direct Military Involvement
The AFC/M23 coalition expanded its accusations beyond Kinshasa, alleging that Burundian troops have participated directly in recent battles. According to Nangaa, Burundian forces, supported by regional militias and foreign mercenaries, played a commanding role in confrontations around Kamanyola, including launching airstrikes from Burundian territory.
Neither Burundi nor the Congolese government has publicly responded to these allegations, but regional tensions continue to escalate.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Thousands Flee
The rebels also condemned the ongoing blockade of Minembwe, which has cut off essential supplies to thousands of residents. They cited numerous attacks on civilians—most notably a December 6 incident where four women were reportedly killed while trying to bypass the blockade to find food.
As violence intensifies across South Kivu, thousands of civilians have crossed into Rwanda seeking safety, adding pressure to an already-strained humanitarian environment in the Great Lakes region.
The Coalition Reaffirms Commitment to Dialogue
Despite their accusations and continued advances, AFC/M23 leaders insist they remain open to peace talks and committed to protecting civilians.
“Despite the seriousness of the situation, the M23/AFCM remains committed to peace, to protecting civilians, to respecting international obligations, and to engaging in sincere dialogue,” Nangaa stated.
Kinshasa Faces Major Setback in South Kivu
The loss of Uvira represents a serious defeat for the Congolese government as it attempts to regain control of vast territories lost in recent months. Kinshasa has pursued both military operations and diplomatic negotiations—particularly through ongoing discussions in Doha, Qatar—but the rapid advance of AFC/M23 forces continues to complicate those efforts.
With Uvira now under rebel control, the balance of power in South Kivu appears to have shifted dramatically, raising fresh concerns about regional stability and the future of peace initiatives in eastern DRC.
