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Burundi has reopened the Kavimvira border crossing with the Democratic Republic of the Congo after a closure of over two months due to ongoing fighting in eastern Congo. Local officials confirmed that many Congolese have begun returning home, although other crossings remain closed amid continued conflict.
Africa-Press. The Burundian authorities have reopened the Kavimvira border crossing with the Democratic Republic of the Congo after more than two months of closure due to ongoing fighting in eastern Congo, local officials confirmed.
The crossing is located on the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika and connects the city of Uvira in Congo with Burundi’s commercial capital, Bujumbura. It is a vital artery for trade and transport between the two countries. The authorities had closed the crossing in December following a new attack by the M23 rebel group on Uvira, aimed at disrupting Burundian support for Congolese government forces. This fighting led to the displacement of approximately 80,000 Congolese civilians to Burundi, according to United Nations estimates.
With the reopening of the crossing, a Burundian border police official stated that “large numbers of Congolese have begun returning home,” although other crossings remain closed in areas experiencing activity from the rebel group. Meanwhile, refugee camps within Burundi continue to host thousands of displaced individuals.
The M23 group had withdrawn from Uvira in January under international pressure, including a direct request from the United States, which is mediating between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
At that time, the group announced that it had placed the city “under the full responsibility of the international community,” reaffirming its commitment to a ceasefire and seeking a political solution to the crisis. The group also called for the deployment of a neutral force in Uvira, citing the presence of the Burundian army and local armed groups known as “Wazalendo,” in addition to mercenaries fighting alongside some factions of the Congolese army.
The Kavimvira border crossing is a crucial trade route between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, linking the city of Uvira in Congo to Burundi’s commercial capital, Bujumbura. The border was closed in December due to escalating violence from the M23 rebel group, which has been active in the region and has caused significant civilian displacement.
The M23 group has faced international pressure to withdraw from Uvira, leading to their announcement in January that they would cease hostilities and seek a political resolution. Despite this, tensions remain high, and many refugees continue to reside in camps within Burundi as the situation stabilizes.
