A climate of fear hangs over Uvira in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The strategic city has fallen to M23 rebels following a deadly offensive.
This capture allows the group to consolidate a broad corridor of influence. Uvira was the government’s last major stronghold in South Kivu after the provincial capital, Bukavu, fell in February.
Traces of War
The road to Uvira bears the scars of recent clashes. Villagers along the route described harrowing scenes as fighting intensified between the rebels and the Congolese army.
Samuel Masikitiko, a resident of Luvungi, witnessed the chaos. He said civilians were caught in deadly crossfire as they tried to escape.
“There were many deaths. I personally saw a motorcycle driver who was in front of me in Luberizi,” Masikitiko said. “A bomb fell in front of him as people were fleeing, and people died with him.”
He added that almost nine people died in Sange. According to him, confusion reigned. People died from bombs, but they did not know if the shells came from the enemy or the army.
Life in a Ghost Town
On Saturday, Uvira remained largely deserted. The streets were silent. No traffic moved apart from military jeeps.
Banks remained closed, and most residents did not return to work. Armed M23 fighters now patrol the streets. Consequently, no one ventures out after sunset.
Alvin Safari, a resident, described the panic when the fighting started.
“Many people were afraid. There was a lot of gunfire,” Safari said. “Some fled, others died, but we thank God that we are alive.”
Despite the uncertainty, some residents chose to stay. Esther Maria explained that daily life has paralyzed.
“Even though things aren’t back to normal yet, we haven’t resumed our usual activities because there’s no money coming in,” she said.
A Broken Peace Deal?
This violence comes despite a significant diplomatic effort. Last week, the Congolese and Rwandan presidents signed a U.S.-mediated peace agreement in Washington.
However, the M23 rebel group was not part of this deal.
The United States has accused Rwanda of violating the accord by backing this renewed offensive. They warned that action would be taken against those undermining the agreement.
Meanwhile, the human toll continues to rise. Regional officials say more than 400 people have been killed. Additionally, around 200,000 people have been displaced.
The rebels’ advance has now pushed the conflict closer to neighboring Burundi. This has raised fears of a wider regional escalation.
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