The AFC/M23 has taken control of Kitsambiro, a town just 25 kilometers from Lubero, further consolidating its position in eastern Congo. As the movement continues its advance, government forces appear to be in full retreat, unable to counter the growing momentum of AFC/M23.
Reports indicate that FARDC attempted to halt the offensive by deploying a Sukhoi jet, but the effort yielded no results. As AFC/M23 fighters pushed forward, hundreds of FARDC soldiers, along with their Burundian allies, decisively fled into Burundi this afternoon. The retreat comes as M23 forces move toward Uvira from the northern axis, bringing the city closer to inevitable capture.
Burundi had deployed over four battalions to support the Congolese government, offering critical fortifications to FARDC. However, despite their reinforced positions, Burundian forces have failed to hold ground and are now largely trapped between Uvira and the Ruzizi Plain—a vast, swampy lowland that presents extreme dangers for any military force caught without an escape route. The Ruzizi Plain, with its difficult terrain and waterlogged conditions, is a treacherous area where troop movement is severely restricted. Any attempt at regrouping or counterattacking would be hindered by the unforgiving landscape, leaving the remaining forces with little choice but to surrender or risk perishing in the swamp.
Uvira: The Strategic Prize
Uvira’s significance extends beyond just another city in South Kivu. Strategically positioned on the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika, it serves as a vital economic and logistical hub, linking the DRC to Burundi, Tanzania, and Zambia via lake trade. The city is a major center for cross-border commerce, and its port is a crucial gateway for regional trade.
For the DRC, Uvira has been a key stronghold in South Kivu, providing a logistical base for FARDC operations and serving as a buffer against regional threats. Losing it would not only sever a critical supply route but also further diminish Kinshasa’s control over the province.
For Burundi, Uvira is of even greater importance due to its proximity to Bujumbura, the Burundian capital, which is just a few hours away. The presence of Burundian troops in Uvira underscores its role in Burundi’s regional security strategy. However, with their withdrawal and failure to stop AFC/M23’s advance, Burundi’s position in the conflict has been severely weakened.
Unlike other parts of eastern Congo, where FARDC has relied on Wazalendo militias and FDLR fighters to resist AFC/M23, Uvira and its surrounding areas have far fewer of these forces. With the Burundian army failing despite its heavy presence, the chances of FARDC mounting any sort of meaningful resistance are slim.
Now, as AFC/M23 tightens its grip, Uvira’s fall appears imminent. Its capture would mark one of the most significant victories for the movement, dealing a devastating blow to both the DRC and Burundi while reshaping the balance of power in the region.