M23 Rebels Take Control of Uvira in DR Congo
M23 rebels on Friday tightened their control over Uvira in eastern DR Congo, forcing residents to sweep streets and clean neighbourhoods just days after seizing the strategic border city. Locals who spoke to AFP said fighters patrolled the streets throughout the day, enforcing new rules as they consolidated their takeover.
Offensive Sweeps Across South Kivu
The capture of Uvira is part of a rapid December offensive in South Kivu, along the Burundi border. It comes after the Rwanda-backed group seized Goma and Bukavu earlier in the year, further isolating Kinshasa from military support from neighbouring Burundi.
By controlling Uvira — home to several hundred thousand people and sitting along Lake Tanganyika — M23 now commands a critical land corridor linking DR Congo and Burundi.
Residents Ordered Indoors
Residents said the rebels ordered them to stay indoors as fighters searched for remaining Congolese troops and allied militias known as Wazalendo.
“The new authorities told people not to leave their homes until they finish the sweep,” one resident said. “There may still be some Wazalendo hiding in certain areas.”
Some small markets reopened on Friday, but most shops along Uvira’s main road remained shut.
Enforced ‘Salongo’ Under Rebel Rule
Locals reported that M23 fighters imposed salongo — mandatory community work — in neighbourhoods now under their control. Residents were seen sweeping streets and clearing compounds.
“The situation is relatively calm,” a resident in Kalombe said. “We see M23 fighters moving around, but they haven’t disturbed us.”
Others described night patrols and door-to-door checks. A petrol station employee recalled three young fighters knocking on his gate.
“I was scared when I opened,” he said. “They told me, ‘Why are you scared? Go out and walk.’”
The rebels also issued strict instructions: no drinking alcohol before 4 pm and compulsory salongo on Saturdays.
Fear and Caution Remain
Most residents spoke anonymously due to fear of reprisals from the militia, which the UN and rights groups have accused of widespread abuses.
