M23 rebels claim control of Uvira in eastern Congo

The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group said it took control of the strategic city of Uvira in eastern Congo on Wednesday, after a rapid offensive since the start of the month.

The group’s spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka made the announcement on X, in a post encouraging fleeing citizens to return to their homes.

Located on the border with Burundi, Uvira had become a significant stronghold in South Kivu since M23 seized the province’s…