Military sources confirm that M23 rebels have seized control of Uvira, a critical lakeside city in South Kivu province, after days of intense fighting with Congolese armed forces (FARDC).
The fall of Uvira marks a significant strategic loss for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government. The city was the last major urban center and military node anchoring the state's presence in South Kivu following the fall of the provincial capital, Bukavu, earlier this year.
Regional analysts state the capture is not merely a territorial change but represents a major structural shift in the balance of power, territory, and economic leverage in eastern DRC.
The rebels' advance on Uvira followed a rapid offensive in which they overran several other towns, including Kamanyola, Luvungi, Sange, and Luberizi.
While M23 now holds the city, reports indicate sporadic street fighting continues between the rebels and remaining FARDC elements. Burundian forces, which had been operating in the area in support of the Congolese government, are reported to have withdrawn.