Uvira : the Congolese army changes the command as fighting intensifies

SOS Médias Burundi –

Uvira, October 22, 2025 – Faced with escalating clashes between the FARDC and the M23 rebel movement in several territories of South Kivu, Kinshasa has reshuffled its military command. Two new generals were installed on Wednesday in Uvira, in the hope of revitalizing operations in a region plagued by significant instability.

The Congolese government has reorganized its military command in South Kivu province, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two new senior officers have been appointed to command the 33rd Military Region and the Sukola 2 South Operational Sector in South Kivu, amid renewed clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels.

Two new commanders appointed

Brigadier General Ilunga Kabamba Jean-Jacques has been appointed as the new commander of the 33rd Military Region, replacing General Mwaku Mbuluku Jean-Daniel, who recently passed away due to illness.
For his part, Brigadier General Amuli Civiri has taken over as commander of the Sukola 2 South Operational Sector in South Kivu, succeeding General Mwehu Lumbu Evariste.

The two senior officers officially took office on Wednesday in Uvira, arriving from Kinshasa, the Congolese capital. According to a statement from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), they were welcomed at the Kavimvira-Gatumba border by the Deputy Sector Commander, Colonel Apoko Bangala, in the presence of several officers from the regional and sectoral headquarters.

A worrying security context

These appointments come in a particularly tense context. For several weeks, the FARDC, alongside the Wazalendo militias supported by Kinshasa and Burundian troops, have been fighting the M23 and its allies, including the Twirwaneho armed group, composed of members of the Banyamulenge community, in the territories of Walungu, Fizi, Mwenga, and Shabunda.

Burundi has deployed at least 10,000 troops to this border region to support the FARDC and their allied militias. The M23 now controls the provincial capitals of North and South Kivu, as well as several strategic mineral-rich areas. This movement is suspected of being supported by Rwanda, a claim Kigali firmly denies. Several analysts fear a regional conflagration if no political or military solution is quickly found.

Controversial figures remain in place

Some controversial military figures were not affected by this reshuffle.
This is the case of General Olivier Gasita, in charge of intelligence and operations within the 33rd Military Region, who remains in his post despite the protests organized last September in Uvira. The organizers denounced what they called “mismanagement of military operations” and cited his membership in the Banyamulenge community, accusations that some observers consider a pretext.

According to several local sources, General Gasita left Uvira on October 8, 2025, and is currently staying in Kinshasa.

Uvira, provisional capital

After the fall of Bukavu, Congolese officials retreated to Uvira, a few kilometers from Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital. This city now serves as the official headquarters for coordinating operations. However, due to persistent insecurity, the majority of officials spend the night in Bujumbura, a situation denounced by the local civil society and Wazalendo militiamen.

As fighting against the M23 and its allies continues to weaken the region, the new commanders will have to quickly demonstrate their ability to stabilize South Kivu. The population, for its part, remains vigilant and concerned, hoping that this reshuffle will finally reduce violence and improve security in the most affected areas.