However, the situation was marked by looting carried out by some residents, raising serious security concerns.

Videos widely shared on social media show Wazalendo fighters being welcomed by cheering residents in several neighborhoods. Other footage, however, captures scenes of looting, with individuals breaking into public and private buildings and carrying away various items after the departure of M23 fighters.

Provincial authorities have expressed concern over the situation. The Governor of South Kivu Province, under government control, stated that security services still have information suggesting that some M23 elements may remain in Uvira, urging residents to remain calm, avoid violence especially acts driven by ethnic tensions and refrain from looting.

On Saturday, while in the city center of Uvira, Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for AFC/M23, read a statement declaring that the group had completely withdrawn its last unit, which he said had been responsible for monitoring and observation. He claimed the unit had been tasked with ensuring civilian security and was awaiting the handover to neutral forces.

Additional videos emerged showing columns of M23 fighters leaving Uvira on Saturday evening. Despite this, government-aligned officials continue to voice skepticism, warning that M23 may not have entirely left the city.

As a result, Uvira’s security situation remains highly volatile, with residents anxiously awaiting the next steps from security forces and various stakeholders.