After days of heavy fighting involving a coalition of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), Burundian troops, Wazalendo militias, and the FDLR, AFC/M23 fighters have now entered the city of Uvira. On the evening of December 9, 2025, the situation in Uvira, South Kivu, changed dramatically as AFC/M23 forces approached and later entered the city. Uvira lies along Lake Tanganyika and directly borders Bujumbura, with an aerial distance of about 22 kilometers between them. The city is also close to Melchior Ndadaye International Airport—approximately 20 kilometers away by

After days of heavy fighting involving a coalition of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), Burundian troops, Wazalendo militias, and the FDLR, AFC/M23 fighters have now entered the city of Uvira. On the evening of December 9, 2025, the situation in Uvira, South Kivu, changed dramatically as AFC/M23 forces approached and later entered the city. Uvira lies along Lake Tanganyika and directly borders Bujumbura, with an aerial distance of about 22 kilometers between them. The city is also close to Melchior Ndadaye International Airport—approximately 20 kilometers away by air—an entry route previously used by Burundian troops supporting FARDC operations in South and North Kivu. According to local reports, Burundian soldiers retreated across the border, and those who refused to surrender were reportedly killed during clashes around Ruvungi. With the fighting there concluded, AFC/M23 forces advanced rapidly toward Uvira. Earlier in the day, AFC/M23 captured Kiliba, about 30 kilometers from Uvira. By around 3:15 p.m., FARDC and Burundian forces began fleeing in large numbers after receiving reports that AFC/M23 was only a few kilometers away. Sources say many Burundian soldiers stationed in Uvira were killed, while others fled back into Burundi. Some local leaders in Uvira are also reported to have gone into hiding as the situation unfolded. Speaking to journalists on December 9, AFC/M23 Coordinator Corneille Nangaa said government forces and allied militias had retreated into the city, indicating that its fall was likely imminent. “The population has been abandoned—so what should we do?” he said. “We protect civilians, and we cannot allow continued disorder and fear. We must reorganize to bring security here.” Nangaa added that, just as stability had been restored in Goma and other areas, communities across the country also deserved peace. Former DRC Member of Parliament Moïse Nyarugabo urged residents of Uvira and nearby areas not to flee, insisting that the city was on the verge of being “liberated.” “Stay in your homes,” he said. “The young men you see arriving are not your enemies. They have come to bring you security, and you will see the difference. I assure you.” Since fighting erupted in the Rusizi Valley early last week, FARDC and its allied forces have been pushed out of several areas. AFC/M23 has captured Katogota, Rurambo, Luberizi, Luvungi, Mutalule, Bwegera, Nyakabere, and Sange. Before entering Kiliba on the afternoon of December 9, they seized the Runingo trading center and advanced from there.

A little more informed. A little more connected.