After the M23 rebel group seized Goma and Bukavu, fighting continued towards Uvira, where it was reported that they were preparing to enter the city. However, the leadership of AFC/M23 announced that they had halted their offensive to allow a ceasefire.
Although M23 stated that they refrained from entering Uvira for military reasons, the FARDC and Burundian forces claimed that they were the ones who stopped the rebels, putting them under pressure and forcing them to retreat.
M23 returns to support Twirwaneho
After retreating from the Uvira front, M23 decided to shift its focus to supporting the Twirwaneho militia, which claims to be fighting to restore the Banyamulenge to their homes. However, tensions remain high as Mai Mai and other extremist groups opposing the Banyamulenge continue to launch attacks, further destabilizing security in the region.
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While FARDC and Burundian troops maintain that they will contain M23, residents in Uvira and Fizi still fear that fighting could resume at any moment.
Currently, more than 10,000 people have fled to Basongora, located in the Beni territory of North Kivu, following intensified clashes between FARDC and M23 in areas around Goma and Minova.
Regional countries and the United Nations continue to push for peace talks, but so far, the conflict persists.
