DR Congo-Burundi Border Reopens After M23 Offensive Closure

The key border crossing between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi at Kavimvira reopened on Monday, February 23, 2026, after being closed for more than two months. The closure was prompted by an offensive launched by the Rwanda-backed Armed Forces of the Congo (AFC)/March 23 Movement (M23) in eastern DRC.

The reopening of the vital crossing on Lake Tanganyika was confirmed by sources on both sides of the frontier, offering a tentative return to normalcy for trade and movement between the two nations. The border had been shut in December as M23 forces advanced towards the city of Uvira, a strategic location in South Kivu province.

According to a Burundi border police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, “One can see a lot of Congolese returning home” across the frontier. South Kivu governor Jean-Jacques Purusi stated the border reopened at 8:00 am local time on Monday.

The M23 offensive, which aimed to seize Uvira, was reportedly intended to disrupt Burundi’s military support for DRC forces battling the rebel group. Experts suggest the move was a strategic attempt to isolate Uvira and cut off a key supply route for the Congolese army. Tens of thousands of Congolese citizens fled into Burundi seeking safety during the period of intense fighting.

While the Kavimvira post has reopened, other border crossings in areas where M23 forces remain active remain closed. This suggests a cautious approach to fully restoring regional connectivity, with authorities prioritizing security concerns.

The reopening follows a withdrawal of M23 fighters from Uvira in January. The group cited a demand from the United States, which has been actively mediating between the DRC and Rwanda in an effort to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The mineral-rich region has experienced decades of violent turmoil, with the resurgence of the Rwanda-backed M23 in 2021 exacerbating the instability.

The situation in Uvira itself remains fragile. Reports from December 16, 2025, indicate a city slowly returning to life, with streets being cleaned and shops cautiously reopening. However, residents are proceeding with caution, particularly after dark, as a heavy military presence – including M23 fighters deployed around key sites – continues to dominate the urban landscape. A one-day, limited passage was granted on Sunday, December 15, 2025, to allow hundreds of Burundian nationals stranded in South Kivu to return home.

The tentative return to normalcy is unfolding under a watchful eye, with residents expressing a desire for life to continue despite the lingering uncertainty. Ndugu Bahambwe, a local resident of the Kalundu neighborhood, described the clean-up efforts as a way to “show that life has to continue,” while acknowledging the fear that remains. Economic activities are expected to resume gradually, “if the situation remains calm.”

The broader context of the conflict in eastern DRC is rooted in a complex web of ethnic tensions, political grievances, and competition for control of valuable mineral resources. The M23, primarily composed of Congolese Tutsi rebels, has been accused of numerous human rights abuses and of acting as a proxy for Rwanda, allegations Rwanda denies. The ongoing instability has had a devastating impact on the civilian population, leading to widespread displacement, humanitarian crises, and a breakdown of law and order.

The reopening of the DRC-Burundi border represents a small but significant step towards restoring stability in the region. However, the long-term prospects for peace remain uncertain, dependent on continued diplomatic efforts, a commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict, and a sustained focus on protecting civilians.

The mineral-rich region has been stricken by three decades of violent turmoil, the latest of which blew up after the resurgence of the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 in 2021. With the DR Congo army back in control of Uvira, authorities felt confident to reopen the frontier.