Government Police Return to Uvira

Uvira February 3, 2026 - The Congolese National Police (PNC) officially returned to the city of Uvira on Tuesday, February 3, after nearly two months of absence. This coastal town on Lake Tanganyika had been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebels. The police officers had previously crossed into Burundi as the rebels advanced. Representing a company of approximately 100 officers, they entered through the Kavimvira border post, between the Burundian town of Gatuma and Uvira, in the presence of numerous onlookers. A parade was held, attended by the interim mayor of Uvira and his deputy, symbolizing the restoration of state authority following the rebel withdrawal under U.S. pressure. “This is the return of the State. It was the army that came before; now the police, who ensure public order, are here. This confirms that state authority is returning and being reasserted,” declared Kyky Kifara, the interim mayor of Uvira. He also urged residents to reflect on past behavior: “What we were before the aggression must not be what we will become. Uvira has suffered greatly; it is being watched. We must be role models,” he added. Following the AFC/M23 withdrawal, the army immediately began redeploying in Uvira and surrounding areas. Uvira is the second-largest city in South Kivu after Bukavu, and during the rebel occupation, it had temporarily assumed the role of provincial capital, with provincial institutions transferred to the city.