AFC/M23 Declares “Liberation” of Uvira(Photos)

Written by Noel Mporebuke

The AFC/M23 coalition, which has been fighting the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), announced on December 10, 2025, that it has taken full control of Uvira, a strategic city in South Kivu Province. The declaration was made by the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, in a public statement released on X (formerly Twitter).

Kanyuka said the rebel coalition had spent more than three months resisting what he described as hate speech, ethnic-based attacks, and violent operations carried out by the Congolese national army (FARDC), including units supported by Burundian forces. “Today, that threat has been removed, and we confirm that the city of Uvira has been liberated,” Kanyuka stated. “We call on our fellow citizens to resume their activities in peace. AFC/M23 is here to protect them.”

Reports of Uvira’s fall began circulating early on the evening of December 9, after heavy clashes. By then, multiple sources indicated that numerous FARDC soldiers along with Burundian troops, members of the Wazalendo militia, and fighters linked to the FDLR had fled the area.

Civilians Flee Violence, Rebels Urge Them to Return

Before the city changed hands, residents fled in large numbers as the joint FARDC and allied militias reportedly carried out violent operations. The AFC/M23 says civilians can now safely return, promising security and an end to abuses that locals had allegedly suffered during government control.

The humanitarian situation in South Kivu remains fragile, with thousands displaced in recent weeks. Aid agencies have warned that renewed fighting may worsen an already deteriorating crisis in eastern Congo, where over 7 million people are currently displaced the highest number in the country’s history.

A Strategic and Symbolic Gain

Uvira is a major urban center and a critical trade hub linking eastern DRC to Burundi and Tanzania. Controlling Uvira gives the AFC/M23 coalition significant leverage over regional trade and military routes along Lake Tanganyika.

The capture marks one of the most significant advances by the group since renewed conflict erupted in eastern Congo in late 2021. Similar takeovers occurred in 2022–2024 when M23 briefly controlled parts of North Kivu, including Bunagana and Rutshuru.

Regional and International Concerns

The escalation in South Kivu has drawn attention from international actors:

The United Nations has repeatedly warned that the eastern Congo conflict is becoming increasingly regional, involving armed groups and foreign military units.

The African Union and East African Community (EAC) have urged political dialogue, saying the military situation risks destabilizing the entire Great Lakes region.

Rights organizations have expressed alarm over rising ethnic tensions, especially targeting communities perceived to be linked to rebel movements.

Globally, the situation mirrors other conflict zones where armed groups seize major towns—such as the Taliban’s capture of Afghan cities in 2021 or the rapid territorial gains by Sudan’s RSF in 2023—often leading to massive displacement and humanitarian crises.

Uncertain Future for Uvira

As AFC/M23 consolidates its hold on Uvira, questions remain about how long it can maintain control and what the response from Kinshasa and regional governments will be. The DRC government has not yet commented on the claimed loss of the city.

Meanwhile, residents hope the latest shift brings an end to abuse and insecurity. Whether peace will hold, however, depends on broader political and diplomatic efforts that have so far struggled to take root.