Uvira, South Kivu — The city of Uvira fell under the control of the M23/AFC movement without reported fighting, according to multiple local sources. Forces aligned with the Kinshasa government—including Burundian troops, Wazalendo militias, FDLR elements, and foreign contractors—are said to have withdrawn from the city ahead of the group’s arrival.
Residents in parts of South Kivu, particularly communities in the High Plateaus, have reported months of blockades, shortages, and repeated clashes involving various armed actors. Local civil society groups say the humanitarian situation has been severe, especially for the Banyamulenge population, who have long raised concerns about insecurity, displacement, and targeted violence.
The absence of confirmed civilian casualties during the takeover has sparked a heated debate online. Some commentators accuse international and regional media outlets of misrepresenting events or seeking evidence of violence that has not been documented. Journalists from several major French‑language outlets have rejected such claims, insisting that their reporting follows established verification standards.
The controversy has also revived broader criticism about the consistency of media attention on abuses in eastern Congo. Community leaders and activists argue that past atrocities—including killings, forced displacement, and hate‑speech‑driven attacks—did not receive sustained international coverage.
The political dimension of the takeover has added further complexity. Some analysts have questioned whether the capture of Uvira affects ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Kinshasa and the M23, though others note that current discussions are taking place in Doha rather than Washington, where a separate agreement was previously announced.
The debate escalated during a public discussion on X (formerly Twitter) on December 11, when a participant asked a journalist why the plight of the Banyamulenge receives limited coverage. The journalist responded that time and resource constraints shape editorial choices, a remark that drew strong reactions from listeners.
As the situation in Uvira stabilizes, humanitarian organizations continue to call for unfettered access to affected populations and for all parties to prioritize civilian protection amid a rapidly shifting conflict landscape.
