Nearly 22,000 Congolese Return to Uvira from Burundi, Kinshasa Engages UNHCR

Uvira, March 8, 2026 - Nearly 22,000 Congolese have spontaneously returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo via Uvira in South Kivu, coming from Bujumbura, Burundi, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs, Jacquemain Shabani, reported during the 81st meeting of the Council of Ministers. Shabani confirmed that the government has already contacted the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to ensure that the return of displaced persons and refugees complies with international regulations, through a planned tripartite framework. The mass return follows violent clashes between the Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 rebellion and government forces, which had previously led to the fall of Uvira and worsened the humanitarian situation in the region, affecting neighboring countries such as Burundi. In response, the Congolese government, led by Minister of State for Social Affairs and Humanitarian Action Ève Bazaiba Masudi, conducted a humanitarian mission to Burundi and Tanzania, providing support to returning refugees, coordinating with host countries, and working with partners including the UNHCR. The return coincides with the reopening of cross-border trade, symbolizing renewed state authority after months of closure due to security tensions linked to AFC/M23 activities. The government delegation presided over the reopening ceremony and continues to monitor measures aimed at restoring order and governance. Uvira, a strategic city in South Kivu, had been under AFC/M23 control, strengthening the rebel presence in North and South Kivu. The city is considered a key security and economic stronghold, potentially facilitating advances toward the Greater Katanga region, the economic heartland of the DRC. The developments follow the recent visit of European Commissioner for Crisis Preparedness and Management, Hadja Lahbib, who urged all parties in the Great Lakes region to respect international humanitarian law, reinforcing the message of humanitarian compliance and conflict resolution.