7 months ago
Army regains control of Congo town after rebel withdrawal
The Congolese army and a pro-government militia have gone back to a town called Uvira in eastern Congo.
This happened a little over a month after a group of rebels called M23 took control of the town.
M23 is a rebel group that has been fighting in the area and has taken over more territory than ever before, including two big cities.
The rebels said they would leave Uvira to give peace talks a chance, but there has still been fighting around the town.
The Congolese government and M23 have been blaming each other for stealing things in the town.
Rwanda, which is a neighboring country, says it is not supporting the rebels, but a report by the United Nations says that Rwanda is actually in control of the rebels.
There have been talks to try to make peace, with the United States and Qatar hosting different meetings.
African leaders have also said they support the peace talks and want them to start again soon.
Congolese army and pro-government militia re-entered Uvira on January 19, 2025, after M23 rebels withdrew.
M23 rebels captured Uvira on December 10, 2024, marking their biggest gains in months.
M23 currently holds more territory than ever before, including Goma and Bukavu, the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces.
Heavy fighting and looting have continued around Uvira, with both sides accusing each other of wrongdoing.
African leaders have reaffirmed their support for peace talks between Congo and M23, calling for them to resume without delay.
- Who
- Congolese army, M23 rebels, pro-government militia, residents of Uvira
- What
- Congolese army and militia re-enter Uvira after M23 rebel withdrawal
- Where
- Uvira, eastern Congo
- When
- January 19, 2025
- Why
- To regain control of the town after M23 rebel capture and withdrawal
Key facts
- Town
- Uvira
- Rebel Group
- M23
- Date of Rebel Capture
- December 10, 2024
- Date of Army Return
- January 19, 2025
- Key Cities Held by M23
- Goma, Bukavu
- Peace Talks Location
- Doha, Qatar
- Rwanda's Stance
- Denies backing M23
- UN Experts' Assessment
- Rwanda exercises command and control over M23

