DRC allies reinforce Uvira amid Fears of imminent clash with M23
Reports point to a significant military build-up around Uvira in South Kivu, signaling a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to regional security sources, a military aircraft carrying more than 400 troops from Angola has landed in Bujumbura, with the soldiers expected to be deployed to the Uvira front. In parallel, a battalion from the South African National Defence Force is also reportedly preparing to arrive in the same area.
The incoming forces are expected to operate alongside Congolese troops, Burundian units, local Wazalendo militias, FDLR, and foreign mercenaries. Together, they are believed to be planning a coordinated offensive against AFC/M23 rebels.
The AFC/M23 fighters are reported to have tightened their grip around Uvira, nearly encircling the city and leaving only a narrow access route toward Lake Tanganyika.
South Africa’s renewed military involvement has raised questions among analysts, particularly in light of a prior agreement between the Southern African Development Community and M23 rebels following the fall of Goma. During that episode, forces under the SADC mission, including South African troops deployed as part of SAMIDRC, were reportedly overwhelmed.
