Kinshasa Prepares Detailed Plan for Uvira Recovery Phase

Uvira is a strategic town on the Congolese–Burundian border in South Kivu. In early December 2025, the Allied Forces Coalition/Movement of 23 March (AFC–M23) rebellion backed by Rwanda captured Uvira, driving thousands of residents and officials to flee into neighbouring Burundi as cited by Okapi.

Protests also erupted in September 2025 when a new military commander, General Olivier Gasita, was appointed; at least five protesters were killed when FARDC forces opened fire. Analysts warned that militias such as the Wazalendo had effectively replaced state authority in Uvira, describing the situation as “lawless … the state, or what remained of it, no longer exists”. These episodes underscored how fragile the Congolese government’s control was and set the stage for the February 2026 mission.

Arrival of the government delegation

On 25 February 2026 a high‑level delegation from the central government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) arrived in Uvira. The team was led by Jacquemain Shabani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and included Minister of Social Affairs Ève Bazaiba and Minister of Regional Integration Floribert Anzuluni.

They convened an expanded security council in Uvira with South Kivu Governor Jean‑Jacques Purusi. Shabani explained that the mission’s purpose was to restore the state’s presence in this border city after recent security crises: he described their goal as “monitoring initiatives to restore state authority” and said the government would prepare a detailed report on the needs of the first phase of the restoration.

Objectives of the mission

Restore state authority

The mission’s primary goal was to re‑establish the authority of the state. After holding the security council, Shabani stated that the government wanted to ensure that provincial institutions and officials resume their duties:

This indicates a focus on re‑activating governmental structures and law‑enforcement in an area where militias have filled the vacuum.

Facilitate the return of refugees and displaced people

The delegation also intended to organize the return of residents who fled to neighbouring Burundi during the AFC‑M23 occupation. Refugees have been living in camps across the border since December 2025 and are hesitant to return while insecurity persists. Shabani stressed that restoring state institutions and public services will help create conditions conducive for the refugees’ return.

Reopen the Congolese‑Burundian border

An important symbolic action taken during the mission was the official reopening of the border between the DRC and Burundi. This event, presided over by Jacquemain Shabani alongside Ministers Ève Bazaiba and Floribert Anzuluni, signalled the government’s intent to normalise cross‑border movement after months of closures due to conflict. Reopening the border is expected to resume trade, aid delivery and humanitarian movements that were disrupted by the rebellion.

Significance and challenges ahead

The February 2026 government mission marks a concerted effort to re‑establish state authority and restore normalcy in Uvira. By holding a security council with the provincial governor and reopening the border, the government signalled that it is ready to take back control of a region that had been under rebel occupation and militia dominance. The success of this initiative will depend on:

1. Security and law‑enforcement – Previous attempts to restore order in Uvira faced fierce local opposition; protests in September 2025 turned deadly when residents opposed the appointment of General Gasita. Durable restoration will require impartial security forces that are accepted by local communities.

2. Humanitarian response – Up to 267 000 people were displaced during the M23 occupation, according to government figures (other sources estimate tens of thousands). Ensuring safe return and providing basic services will be essential to rebuilding trust.

3. Political reconciliation – Analysts warn that relying on militia groups such as the Wazalendo to maintain order undermines state legitimacy. The government will need to integrate local authorities and civil society into the restoration process to avoid repeating past violence.

Overall, the Uvira mission is a crucial first step towards reinstating government authority in South Kivu. Whether it translates into lasting stability will depend on how the state addresses local grievances, manages security forces and facilitates the safe return of refugees.

Source: Okapi