By Dr. Sarah Chen
Date: December 9, 2025
The ongoing conflict in the South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has escalated significantly as the M23 rebel group has captured several key towns along the N5 highway, which leads towards Uvira. The towns of Luvungi, Luberizi, and Sange are now under M23 control, marking a critical advancement for the group in this volatile region.
Key Details
As of the latest reports, the M23 has made substantial territorial gains, having taken control of Luvungi, Luberizi, and Sange. These towns are strategically located along the N5 highway, which is a vital route for transportation and logistics in eastern DRC. The capture of these towns places the M23 less than 20 kilometers from Uvira, a significant urban center in the region.
In response to the M23"s advances, large-scale reinforcements from the Burundian National Defense Force (FDNB) have been deployed to the border area, specifically to Dunda. This military buildup indicates a heightened state of alert and preparation for potential confrontations with the M23. Violent clashes have already erupted between the M23 and FDNB forces in Kigurwe, which is recognized as the last stronghold of the FDNB before reaching Dunda.
In a further development, the M23 has reportedly entered the town of Runingo from the north. This incursion has led to ongoing clashes between the M23, which is backed by Rwanda, and the Congolese military, known as the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). The situation remains fluid, with both sides engaged in active combat in the area.
Additionally, the dynamics within the conflict have shifted as some factions of the Wazalendo Maji-Maji, a local militia group, have defected to the M23. Notably, a significant faction known as the Lungwe group has joined the M23 in the past 48 hours, potentially bolstering the rebel group"s numbers and influence in the region.
Background
The M23, which stands for March 23 Movement, is a rebel group that has been involved in the DRC"s ongoing conflicts, often linked to broader regional tensions involving neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda and Burundi. The group emerged in 2012, claiming to represent the interests of the Tutsi population in the DRC and has been accused of various human rights violations during its operations. The current resurgence of the M23 has raised alarms among local and international observers regarding the stability of the eastern DRC, which has been plagued by violence and instability for decades.
What"s Next
The situation in South Kivu is rapidly evolving, with the potential for further escalations as both the M23 and FDNB prepare for continued confrontations. The proximity of the M23 to Uvira raises concerns about the safety of civilians in the area and the broader implications for regional security. As previously reported, the conflict in the DRC has far-reaching consequences, not only for the country itself but also for neighboring nations, which may become involved in the conflict either directly or indirectly.
For more on related developments in international conflicts, see our coverage on major coups in Africa and recent developments in international relations.
