Tensions remained high on Friday, December 26, in Uvira, in the South Kivu province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While AFC/M23 fighters were supposed to have left the city on December 16, gunfire was heard again until midday. Unlike the previous two days, which saw a tentative resumption of activity, residents remained indoors. Life was virtually at a standstill.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the first incidents were reported around 6 a.m. Two speedboats, docked at the port of Kalundu, the main port of Uvira, were hit by bombing and caught fire.

According to the AFC/M23, which claims to have no naval force, the vessels involved were civilians. The movement accuses Kinshasa of targeting civilians. For their part, FARDC sources contacted by RFI indicate that the attacks were carried out using drones and claim responsibility for the strikes.

According to the Congolese army, these boats were being prepared to attack FARDC units positioned around Katongo, about ten kilometers from Uvira, where clashes were also reported by independent sources.

AFC/M23 forces reported in and around the city

At midday, an aircraft flying over Uvira reignited fear among residents. Local sources claim to still see individuals wearing AFC/M23 police uniforms, even though the movement's heavy equipment and the bulk of its forces are said to have already left the city. When questioned about this remaining presence, the armed group did not respond.

The AFC/M23 also accuses Wazalendo fighters, allied with government forces, of positioning themselves in the hills around Uvira and organizing attacks there.

According to military sources, a strong AFC/M23 presence has also been reported in Kiliba. The FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) state that they will enter the town in the coming days, "professionally and without haste."

Further south, in the city of Makobola, on both the Fizi and Uvira territory side, the localities have been under the control of the FARDC and the Wazalendo since Thursday, December 25, at 3 p.m.

Christmas under high tension

The situation remains highly unpredictable. For example, no midnight masses were celebrated for Christmas. Instructions were given that religious services could only be held between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Parishes in Sange, in the north, and Makobola, in the south, were closed.