Name: Fear and uncertainty grip Uvira after M23 seizes strategic city
Uploaded: 2025-12-15T07:53:17.379Z
Duration: 2 min 7 s
Description: The latest offensive comes despite the U.S.-brokered peace deal, which did not include M23. While Rwanda has agreed to halt support for armed groups and help end hostilities, both Congo and the rebels accuse each other of violating earlier ceasefire agreements.

The latest offensive comes despite the U.S.-brokered peace deal, which did not include M23. While Rwanda has agreed to halt support for armed groups and help end hostilities, both Congo and the rebels accuse each other of violating earlier ceasefire agreements.

Uvira

Uvira, a strategic city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, has experienced intense fighting following its capture by M23 rebels. Regional officials report that more than 400 people have been killed and around 200,000 displaced as a result of the conflict. 

The city remains largely deserted, with banks closed and residents staying indoors due to fear and ongoing patrols by armed M23 fighters. The offensive occurred despite a recent US-brokered peace deal, which did not include the M23 group.

Fear and uncertainty grip Uvira after M23 seizes strategic city

Traces of war line the road of Uvaira, the scene of latest clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese army in eastern DRC. Along the route, villagers describe harrowing scenes as fighting intensified. There were many deaths. I personally saw a motorcycle driver who was in front of me in Luberizi. A bomb fell in front of him as people were fleeing and people died with him. Almost 9 people died in Sanjetu. People died as a result of bombs and we didn't know whether they came from the enemy or from the army. The regional officials saying more than 400 people have been killed and around 200,000 displaced. Many people were afraid. There was a lot of gunfire. Some fled, others died, but we thank God that we are alive. On Saturday, Uvaira remained largely deserted. Streets were silent and no traffic apart from military jeeps. Banks were closed and most residents had not returned to work. Armed M23 fighters patrolled the street. No one ventured out after sunset. Some people left town, but we stayed, even though things aren't back to normal yet. We haven't resumed our usual activities because there's no money coming in. We spent two days at home. Nobody was working, but we're in good health. M23 said it took control of Uvaira earlier this week following a rapid offensive since the start of the month. The latest offensive comes despite the US-brokered peace deal, which did not include M23.

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