Residents of Uvira in South Kivu are living in fear after armed groups, including members of the Wazalendo militia, looted and destroyed homes and businesses following the departure of AFC/M23 fighters last week.
Witnesses say the violence targeted primarily Banyamulenge residents and others who speak Kinyarwanda. Shops, churches, and private homes were broken into, and some individuals were physically attacked, prompting many to flee the city.
“The young armed men moved openly through the streets, looting and destroying property. People are terrified for their lives,” said a local resident who asked not to be named.
The DRC chapter of the International Federation for Human Rights (DPC) expressed deep concern on Jan. 18, 2026, about the security situation, especially for Banyamulenge civilians. The group said attacks are often motivated by ethnicity and by resentment over Uvira’s temporary occupation by AFC/M23.
Video footage circulating on social media shows armed youths breaking into homes and government offices, while civilians flee in panic.
DPC called on the United Nations Mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO) to restore security in Uvira. “We urge MONUSCO and the U.S. government to deploy impartial forces quickly to bring stability. Immediate investigations should be launched so those responsible for looting and attacks are held accountable,” the organization said.
AFC/M23 officially withdrew from Uvira on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, citing a desire to facilitate peace talks in eastern DR Congo and respect a local ceasefire agreement.
Despite the withdrawal, residents say the brief period under AFC/M23 had brought relative calm, which has now been replaced by fear and uncertainty. Many say the return of violence is a reminder of the fragile security situation in the region.
“The days under AFC/M23 were the first we could sleep peacefully in weeks. Now, with armed groups roaming freely, we are back to hiding and worrying for our lives,” said another local resident.
Human rights groups continue to call for urgent intervention to protect civilians and prevent further attacks in Uvira, warning that the city remains highly vulnerable in the absence of neutral security forces.
