Full Breakdown
UN Peacekeeping Efforts in Uvira Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
2/13/2026, 8:04:42 AM
Recent Developments in Uvira
In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the town of Uvira has recently seen a return of Congolese public officials following a tumultuous period marked by the capture and subsequent withdrawal of the AFC/M23 rebel group. The group seized Uvira in December 2025 but retreated a week later under pressure from the United States. This allowed Congolese forces to re-establish control in mid-January 2026. Mayor Kifara Kapenda Kik'y reported that upon returning, officials found their offices ransacked and in disrepair, stating, “We are back, but unfortunately we found everything ransacked.” The local administration is currently operating with a minimal staff as many civil servants remain displaced in neighboring Burundi.
Ceasefire Monitoring Initiatives
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, is preparing to send reconnaissance flights to Uvira as part of efforts to monitor a ceasefire agreement between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23. This ceasefire was formalized through Qatari-mediated talks, which also included a commitment to establish a monitoring mechanism. Vivian van de Perre, acting head of MONUSCO, indicated that the first aerial reconnaissance mission would occur soon, contingent upon security guarantees from all involved parties.
Broader Context of the Conflict
The conflict in eastern DRC has persisted for over three decades, exacerbated by the resurgence of the AFC/M23, which has been linked to Rwandan support. The group has previously captured significant cities, including Goma and Bukavu, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises. Despite multiple ceasefire agreements, including a recent one brokered by Angola, the situation remains precarious. A senior M23 official expressed willingness to observe a ceasefire, provided that Congolese forces cease hostilities.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the ongoing peace efforts highlight the repeated failures of ceasefire agreements in the region. Since late 2021, several truces have been signed and subsequently broken, raising skepticism about the effectiveness of current negotiations. The DRC government has yet to publicly respond to Angola's latest ceasefire proposal, and the situation remains fluid.
Official Statements
UN Deputy Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix emphasized the need for security guarantees to facilitate the deployment of UN personnel in Uvira, stating, “We are not yet in a situation where there is an effective ceasefire in the east. Far from it.” He outlined a phased approach to MONUSCO's involvement, starting with aerial reconnaissance before potentially increasing the presence on the ground.
What's Next
As diplomatic efforts continue, the African Union has taken a leading role in mediation, with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe and Angolan President Joao Lourenco involved in the discussions. The success of these negotiations will be critical in determining the future stability of Uvira and the broader eastern DRC region. The UN's planned deployment in Uvira is expected to commence in the coming weeks, contingent upon the establishment of security guarantees.
