Overview
- M23 fighters have consolidated control of Uvira, with reports of a heavy rebel presence, sporadic gunfire and Red Cross teams collecting bodies as some residents cautiously return.
- UN agencies report a rapid surge in displacement to more than 500,000 people in just over a week, with hospitals struggling and rising risks of cholera and other diseases.
- Authorities say the Uvira–Burundi crossing is shut, at least 27,000 people have fled into Tanganyika Province since December 8, about 50,000 have crossed into Burundi and additional arrivals are recorded in Rwanda.
- Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of deploying special forces and foreign mercenaries in violation of recent agreements, the US embassy urges any Rwandan forces to withdraw, and Kigali denies backing M23 while President Paul Kagame alleges more than 20,000 Burundian troops are operating in eastern DRC.
- Burundi’s foreign minister says Bujumbura seeks no war but will defend itself, alleges Rwandan shelling of Cibitoke and notes a Burundian contingent in DRC under a bilateral deal, as rights groups and the UN press for a halt to hostilities and stronger international action.