The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has issued a warning that the M23 rebel group is mobilizing large numbers of fighters near the city of Uvira, with the intent of capturing it.
The news was delivered by Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Media and Spokesperson for the Congolese Government.
Addressing the Council of Ministers, he stated:
“In South Kivu, we have learned that M23 is reinforcing its troops along all fronts. Its goal is to seize territories under FARDC control, particularly the city of Uvira.”
Uvira, where M23 is reportedly advancing, is the second-largest city in South Kivu province, after Bukavu, which has been under M23 influence since February this year.
The Congolese government made these claims even as M23 accuses Kinshasa of massing troops in civilian-populated areas with the intention of launching attacks that put local communities at risk.
Reports suggest that the DRC is preparing to deploy up to 60,000 troops to the eastern region and even to Bujumbura, Burundi, in an effort to reclaim territory lost to rebels, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu.
In Uvira alone, it is said that around 7,000 FARDC troops have been deployed, alongside fighters from FDLR, Wazalendo militias, Burundian troops, and even Colombian mercenaries.
Tensions are rising rapidly between the two sides, even as the Doha peace talks—intended to bring an end to the conflict—have resumed.
On Friday, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka posted on his X account, accusing the Congolese government of spreading disinformation online in an attempt to sabotage the Doha negotiations.
