At the beginning of the week, attacks by M23 rebels in South Kivu province (DRC) resumed with renewed vigour.

The town of Uvira, the province's new capital since the fall of Bukavu last February, has fallen into the hands of the rebels. There have been numerous civilian casualties and more than 65,000 Congolese have fled to neighbouring Burundi in the space of a week.

On Tuesday 16 December, according to statements released by the M23 in the morning, a withdrawal of their forces from the Uvira area was announced as part of ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and move towards a negotiated solution. However, the effective implementation of this withdrawal remains to be confirmed on the ground.

Since February 2025, the escalation of the conflict in eastern DRC has already forced a considerable number of Congolese into exile. The situation worsened dramatically in early December with the massive arrival of new refugees fleeing intense fighting in the vicinity of Uvira. We remain in close contact with our teams and partners on the ground.

Now more than ever, we need all the support we can get to assist the local populations. The women entrepreneurs of Bukavu are counting on you. Thank you.