Kinshasa: The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is witnessing growing frustration and fear as residents of the strategic town of Uvira report that M23 rebel forces remain entrenched, despite public commitments by the group to withdraw from the area. The developments underscore the fragility of peace efforts in a conflict that has already displaced hundreds of thousands and exacted a heavy toll on civilian lives.
Uvira a bustling port city on the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika, near the border with Burundi holds both strategic and symbolic importance in the wider conflict gripping eastern Congo. M23 fighters seized the town earlier this month in a rapid offensive that followed intense clashes with Congolese government forces and allied militias. The capture came amid celebrations in Washington, D.C., where Congolese and Rwandan leaders had just signed a U.S.-brokered peace deal aimed at ending hostilities in the region.
In recent days, the M23 declared it would withdraw from Uvira at the request of U.S. mediators describing the move as a âtrust-building measureâ to bolster ongoing peace talks and reduce tensions. The statement, issued under the banner of the broader alliance that includes M23, called for the demilitarization of the town, protection of civilians, and deployment of a neutral monitoring force to oversee any ceasefire.
However, locals on the ground paint a different picture. Residents and eyewitnesses say that M23 fighters and armed patrols are still visible throughout Uvira, particularly around key administrative buildings, main roads, and the port area. âNothing has changed since the announcement they are still here,â a resident told reporters, describing a tense atmosphere where civilians struggle to resume normal life amid the ongoing armed presence.
The discrepancy between the rebelsâ pledge and the situation on the ground reflects deep mistrust and confusion over the implementation of peace commitments. Government officials in Kinshasa have rejected the withdrawal declaration as a mere tactical manoeuvre, arguing that the rebels are using diplomatic pressure to solidify their territorial gains without making tangible concessions. Analysts suggest that M23âs actions may be aimed at creating âfacts on the groundâ to strengthen their leverage in negotiations.
The offensive in South Kivu province has already had devastating humanitarian consequences. Regional authorities report that more than 400 civilians have been killed in clashes, and roughly 200,000 people have been forced from their homes, fleeing southward toward Burundi and beyond in search of safety. International humanitarian organizations have sounded alarms about the deteriorating situation, with millions across eastern Congo affected by conflict and displacement.
The presence of M23 in Uvira also inflames regional security tensions, drawing in neighbouring Burundi, which has taken in tens of thousands of Congolese refugees and closed border crossings due to spillover fears. Both the United States and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels with troops and logistical support allegations Kigali has repeatedly denied, even as it insists its military presence is defensive.
This standoff comes as part of broader international efforts to solidify a durable peace in the Great Lakes region. In November, Congolese authorities and rebel representatives signed a peace framework in Doha, supported by Qatar and other mediators, aimed at ending long-running hostilities in eastern Congo. While these agreements aimed to open pathways to ceasefire and political dialogue, the continued fighting around Uvira highlights the significant hurdles that remain before peace accords can be translated into reality.
For Uviraâs civilians, the future remains uncertain. Many have already witnessed repeated cycles of violence and displacement, with hopes for lasting security fading as armed groups continue to challenge state authority. With diplomatic efforts ongoing but implementation lagging, the continued rebel presence in Uvira underscores the daunting task ahead for peacebuilders seeking to stabilize the eastern DRC.