Hundreds return from Burundi to DRC as border shut by M23 fighting reopens

"When I heard that fighting was approaching Uvira, we decided it would be best to leave for our own safety. It was to spare his family from the shadow of death following the violence and killings that had already taken place in Luvungi, Luberizi, Kamanyola and Sange—surrounding areas where M23 and the army were squaring off."

"According to the United Nations, some 90,000 Congolese had fled to Burundi since the M23 offensive on Uvira. On Tuesday, December 9, M23 entered Uvira and took full control a day later. When the city fell on December 10, Burundian authorities shut the Kavimvira post, citing security concerns."

M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, captured Uvira in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo on December 10, 2025, prompting a mass exodus of civilians. The city, located at the northern end of Lake Tanganyika, was the last major government-controlled area in the region. Residents fled in panic as fighting intensified, with families like Joseph Bahisi's walking kilometers to cross into Burundi. Approximately 90,000 Congolese refugees sought shelter in Burundian camps, including Rumonge. Burundian authorities closed the border crossing citing security concerns after the city fell. Although M23 retreated within a week following international pressure, the border remained closed, trapping displaced populations.

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