Hundreds flee as Congo army battles M23 rebels near Uvira

Despite M23 rebels announcing a withdrawal, clashes with Congolese forces near Uvira have forced hundreds of civilians to flee their homes, adding to the region’s growing humanitarian crisis.

Reuters

30 December 2025 at 15:38:39

FILE PHOTO: Civilians stranded during clashes between M-23 rebels and the Congolese army arrived on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, December 14, 2025.

Stringer/Reuters

Hundreds of displaced civilians fled villages near Uvira on Tuesday (December 30), carrying belongings and livestock along National Road 5, as fighting continued between Congolese armed forces and M23 rebels despite the group's announced withdrawal from the eastern city.

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) said they had seized control of the localities of Kigongo, Katongo, and Luanga following intense clashes with M23 fighters about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Uvira.

Families from Kigongo, Katongo, and Kalungwe could be seen streaming into Uvira city. The displacement adds to a worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have captured significant territory in recent years, forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Despite the military gains by government forces, civilians continued pouring into Uvira seeking protection from ongoing insecurity in surrounding areas.

Production: Angela Ukomadu/Reuters