Hundreds return from Burundi to DRC as border shut by M23 fighting reopens
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hundreds of thousands of Congolese refugees are returning to their homes after the border between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reopened following months of closure due to M23 rebel activity. The M23 rebels, who have been fighting the DRC government for over a decade, took control of Uvira in December 2025, prompting a mass exodus of more than 90,000 Congolese fleeing to Burundi's Rumonge refugee camp. Despite the rebels' retreat from Uvira after international pressure, the border remained closed for nearly three months, leaving many displaced families uncertain about their future.
The conflict in South Kivu province has caused widespread displacement and insecurity. M23 claims to fight for the rights of the Tutsi minority, accusing the DRC government of marginalization. However, the Congolese government accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, who they allege aim to seize land and resources. The region's instability has led to repeated cycles of violence, with fighting resuming in 2021 and intensifying in early 2025 when M23 captured key towns like Goma and Bukavu.
The reopening of the Kavimvira border has brought hope to thousands of displaced Congolese. Many, like Joseph Bahisi, a father of four who fled Uvira with his family, are now able to return home after nearly three months of uncertainty. While some fearM23 rebels may have seized their belongings or homes during the occupation, others are cautiously optimistic about their future. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of conflict resolution in the DRC's eastern regions and underscores the need for sustained international mediation.
This story matters globally as it reflects the broader instability in Central Africa, where decades of conflict have displaced millions and strained regional security. The M23 rebellion not only threatens the lives of Congolese civilians but also complicates relations between the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. The situation underscores the importance
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026