On Wednesday, AFC/M23 forces entered Uvira without encountering resistance. The group confirmed its control over the city, stating that the “threat has been neutralized.”

Burundian forces, alongside Congolese troops and the Wazalendo militia, had attempted to defend Uvira but were ultimately unable to repel the rebels.

Burundi announced the border closure as a security measure to prevent enemy infiltration.

Amid the clashes, the country has also received hundreds of thousands of Congolese refugees, mainly from Uvira and surrounding areas. AFC/M23 has called on those displaced to return, promising their safety.

Reliable sources indicate that some Congolese government soldiers fled the fighting into Burundi, while others moved toward Swima, Makobola, and Baraka in Fizi territory.

Gen. Byamungu Maheshe of AFC/M23 stated that the group has no conflict with Burundian civilians and urged Burundian soldiers still in the hills to surrender to AFC/M23 authorities for safe repatriation.