Border Reopens as Congolese Refugees Return from Burundi. Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo — Nearly 500 displaced residents crossed back into eastern Congo on Monday after authorities reopened the Kavimvira border point that had been sealed for three months during M23 rebel advances, local officials reported.
The crossing between South Kivu’s lakeside city of Uvira and Burundi’s Rumonge district resumed operations at dawn, allowing families who had sheltered in Burundian camps to walk home carrying suitcases and kitchen goods, according to migration officers on both sides.
Many arrived without identity papers, having fled when gunfire erupted around the city in early December. Border authorities on the Congolese side said they would not block undocumented returnees, while Burundian guards maintained stricter exit checks.
The closure began on 10 December after M23 forces seized Uvira, prompting Bujumbura to cite security reasons for sealing the frontier.
Although the rebel group pulled back from parts of the city within days under regional pressure, the gate stayed shut, leaving an estimated 90 000 Congolese in Burundi unable to check on homes or property, United Nations data indicate. Traders welcomed the restart of formal traffic.
Lucie Binja, a 25-year-old student, said Uvira residents rely on Burundian clinics and food markets, while Burundians cross for work.
Officials commented on the matter. Humanitarian agencies warned that repatriation remains partial.
The UN refugee agency noted on Tuesday that Burundi still hosts tens of thousands of Congolese, and camp conditions remain difficult; a recent cholera outbreak in Rumonge claimed several lives among refugees, according to health workers.
Officials have not announced a timeline for full refugee return or additional support for damaged homes. Further details are expected as joint security assessments continue.
