The Kavimvira border crossing linking Uvira in South Kivu with Bujumbura has reopened after Congolese authorities regained control of the area.
The post, closed since December 2025 following the Rwanda-backed M23 seizure of Uvira, will operate daily from 5am to 5pm.
Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, Governor of South Kivu, said the security threat was “significantly reduced” after rebel forces withdrew on 18 January 2026.
Key developments:
• Land and lake borders with Burundi account for nearly 50% of South Kivu’s economy, according to Governor Purusi.
• The corridor connects to Indian Ocean ports including Dar es Salaam and Mombasa.
• Around 400,000 displaced people live in the area; over one million reside in the Ruzizi Plain.
• 4,000 tonnes of food aid from the World Food Programme are expected.
Other Burundi–DR Congo crossings in AFC/M23-controlled zones remain closed.
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