DR Congo border crossing with Burundi reopens after AFC/M23 offensive
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 23, 2026
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The border crossing between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi at Kavimvira reopened on Monday after being closed for over two months due to an offensive by the Rwanda-backed armed group AFC/M23. This key trade route, which connects Uvira in DRC and Bujumbura in Burundi, is vital for regional economic activity. The closure occurred in December when AFC/M23 launched a new territorial push in eastern DRC, aiming to disrupt Burundi's military support for Congolese forces. With the DRC army regaining control of Uvira in January under pressure from the United States, which has been mediating between the two nations, authorities deemed it safe to reopen the border.
The AFC/M23 offensive was also driven by its goal to sever Burundi's military ties with DRC forces. Tens of thousands of Congolese civilians fled into Burundi during the conflict, adding pressure on local resources and communities. The reopening of the Kavimvira crossing has allowed many displaced individuals to return home, signaling a potential resumption of normal trade and movement in the region. However, other border posts near areas controlled by AFC/M23 remain closed, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
The mineral-rich eastern DRC has long been plagued by conflict, with the resurgence of AFC/M23 in 2021 marking the latest chapter in a decades-long cycle of violence. The U.S. has played a crucial role in efforts to broker peace, with its influence leading to the withdrawal of AFC/M23 forces from Uvira. This development underscores the interconnectedness of security and economic stability in the Great Lakes region. The reopening of Kavimvira not only benefits local economies but also reflects broader international efforts to address the root causes of conflict in the area.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/23/2026