In Uvira, South Kivu, there is a gathering of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo with four major bases after the M23 group took the city of Bukavu, which is considered the capital of this South Kivu province.
According to reports, these bases include those in Runingu, Sange, and Luvungi, as well as another located in the outskirts of Uvira.
After capturing the city of Bukavu, the coalition of government forces, including the FARDC of Burundi and the Wazalendo and FDLR groups, has sought refuge in this area of Uvira.
These forces have arrived in Uvira to continue their military operations in order to protect the city of Uvira from falling into the hands of the M23 fighters.
According to Minembwe Capital News, citing a source within the security agencies, these military facilities are still receiving reinforcements from other FARDC and Burundian soldiers, with many of them coming from Bujumbura in Burundi, while others are fleeing M23 from the areas it has captured in South Kivu.
He stated: “There are many, and they are still sending more Burundian soldiers and FARDC troops.”
I confirm that those institutions belong to Runingu, Sange, Luvungi, which are located in Uvira city.
However, it is still difficult to determine the number of soldiers stationed in these camps, but according to ongoing reports, they are estimated to be in the thousands. Moreover, their numbers are increasing day by day.
Although only these four camps have been mentioned, there is also another one located in the hills of Uvira in Bijombo, known as Ndondo, which also houses Burundian and FARDC troops.
Additionally, these camps have been sending many soldiers after M23 took control of Kaziba, which was known to host many troops. Last Saturday, this group took control of that area.
However, these troops are still trying to fight to prevent this group from advancing towards Kibaya in Rusizi, as even today both sides are engaged in combat in the hills between the Rusizi valley and Kaziba.