Security sources and residents who fled the area confirmed that FARDC forces and their allied fighters including Burundian troops, Wazalendo militias and the FDLR unexpectedly withdrew, allowing AFC/M23 to enter Sange without facing significant resistance.

Sange is considered a strategic commercial and military location, as it connects roads from Uvira towards Bukavu, and lies close to the Burundi border. Controlling this area could enable AFC/M23 to move closer to Uvira and expand its control over a larger part of Rusizi.

AFC/M23 has not yet issued an official communiqué, but its latest actions are raising concern among local authorities and residents in South Kivu. Reports indicate that fighting could shift towards Kavimvira, which would place the city of Uvira at greater risk of coming under attack.