Uvira Residents Seek Peace Amidst Rebel Withdrawal. Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo — 2025-12-19 Lead Paragraph: In the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s South Kivu province, residents of Uvira are expressing relief as rebels from the M23 group withdraw from the city they seized last week.
The pullout follows intense battles with Congolese soldiers and allied militias, amidst a fragile peace process involving regional leaders.
The recent surge in violence in the eastern DRC began over a week ago when M23 rebels, accused by the United Nations and the United States of receiving support from Rwanda, attacked the strategic city of Uvira.
The city, a key border point with Rwanda and Burundi, had been under Congolese army control until the rebels’advance.
The situation has been tense, with the government confirming over 400 deaths in the violence, although this number has not been independently verified.
The arrival of international reporters marked the first time the city had been accessible since the M23’s takeover. Despite the withdrawal of the rebels, many Uvira residents remain concerned about the potential return of militia groups that have previously controlled the area.
The government has been criticized for its lack of control over these militias, which have been accused of abuses.
Local sources report that while some residents are relieved that the rebels are leaving, others fear that the situation could deteriorate further. Officials commented on the matter. “
The only thing we need is peace.”.
Ending: The situation in Uvira remains fluid, with the Congolese military resuming firing on some M23 positions near the city.
As the rebels withdraw, the focus now shifts to the stability of the region and the prospects for peace. Further details are expected as the situation develops.
