A striking demonstration of popular strength took place this Tuesday, November 3, in Uvira, South Kivu province. Initiated by Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi, over 100,000 citizens took to the streets in a massive peaceful march to denounce armed violence and demand the definitive return of peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Carrying banners and placards, the protesters marched through the city’s main avenues to express their outrage over the insecurity attributed to the FRN-M23, a group accused by local residents of receiving support from Rwanda. Due to this massive turnout, socio-economic activities slowed down significantly across the entire city throughout the day.

A Direct Call for International Action and Resistance

The procession, led in person by the provincial governor, set off from the “Maison Orange” and culminated at the Monument roundabout. All along the route, voices rose to demand concrete and immediate responses to the deteriorating security situation.

Speaking at the rally, Potien Musomerwa, an official of the BRCP RDC party, stressed the urgency of fully implementing all UN Security Council resolutions regarding the region’s security crisis.

Addressing the crowd, Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi praised the population’s bravery and urged residents of occupied areas to “maintain their resistance,” while reiterating the Head of State’s diplomatic and military efforts to restore national sovereignty.

This powerful civic momentum was not limited to Uvira: similar marches were also reported in Bunyakiri, Fizi, and Baraka, highlighting widespread frustration and a unified stance across the entire province against the actions of the FRN-M23.

With Radio Okapi