[VIDEO] – AFC/M23 Opens Route: Over 500 Burundians Stranded in Uvira Return Home

Uvira, DRC – In an action demonstrating how forces controlling territories can impact civilian movement, the coalition fighters of the Alliance for the Congo (AFC) and M23 opened a route allowing over 500 Burundian citizens to return to their country after being stranded in the city of Uvira.

The city, located in the South Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the border with Burundi, was recently captured by the AFC/M23 coalition on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Kavimvira Route Opened

These Burundian citizens, primarily cross-border traders, managed to return to Burundi on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Reports indicate they traveled through the Kavimvira border post, which is now controlled by AFC/M23 fighters on the Congo side, as reported by RFI media.

The escalation of fighting and the changing governance of Uvira led to these citizens being stranded in the city, especially since Burundi had closed the border connecting it to Uvira after the city’s capture. This situation also left many Congolese citizens stranded on the Burundian side, unable to cross.

The Significance of Uvira in the Conflict

The city of Uvira holds significant strategic value in the conflict between the AFC/M23 coalition and the Congolese government and its allied forces. The city was considered a crucial bridge for the delivery of military aid directed to the Congolese government alliance forces in the areas they were fighting.

From a commercial standpoint, Uvira is only 25 kilometers away from Bujumbura, and it served as the source for goods entering Bujumbura from Eastern Congo, particularly agricultural products and petroleum derivatives. The capture of this city highlights the severe consequences that can affect trade and essential relief operations between the two nations.

As of now, further information indicates that investigations are ongoing regarding the humanitarian situation and daily life of the population in the areas now controlled by the AFC/M23 fighters.

Video of Returning Burundians

Burundian Military returning in their Country