Lake Tanganyika Traffic Resumes Between Kalemie and Uvira After Weeks of Disruption

Kalemie/Uvira, January 27, 2026 - 17:38 - After several weeks of suspension due to insecurity in Uvira, traffic on Lake Tanganyika between the cities of Kalemie (Tanganyika Province) and Uvira (South Kivu) officially resumed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The decision was announced by Governor Christian Kitungwa Muteba of Tanganyika Province. The suspension had been implemented in response to the threat posed by the AFC/M23 rebellion, which had temporarily seized control over parts of Uvira, creating risks of infiltration and disruption across the lake. “With the progressive restoration of state authority, ordered by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the resumption of economic and migratory activities previously interrupted for security reasons, lake traffic between Uvira and Kalemie will resume as of January 27, 2026,” the governor’s statement read. The reopening of this vital transport route is expected to boost trade, migration, and humanitarian activities, providing relief to local populations and economic operators who rely on the lake for daily commerce and travel. This development comes after the withdrawal of the AFC/M23 rebellion from Uvira and reflects the ongoing efforts of the central government and provincial authorities to restore security and normalcy in eastern DRC. Residents and businesses have welcomed the resumption, highlighting the lake’s importance as a key commercial and social link connecting the East and Southeast regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.