In Uvira, the second-largest city in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, residents are beginning to see some signs of recovery after the recent departure of the M23 rebel group, which had previously instilled fear among the locals. However, this resurgence is hindered by ongoing border closures with Burundi and the proximity to conflict zones. The chaos that ensued from the M23's occupation is still evident, impacting daily life and economic activities.

A special envoy from RFI reports on the gradual restarting of the local economy, noting that workers are attempting to resume operations at places like the Kalundu port where they are unloading steel rods, a hopeful sign of rebuilding. Despite these small victories, many community members recount a climate of fear during the M23's presence, revealing the deep psychological scars they carry. The return of the army has helped to restore some sense of security but the long road to normalcy remains ahead.

Importantly, the situation highlights the underlying political instability that continues to plague the eastern regions of the DRC. Although Uvira’s recovery journey may seem promising, the closures at the border and threats of renewed conflict pose significant challenges. The broader implications for trade and stability in the region will depend on sustained peace and whether the local economy can recover enough to withstand future threats from militant groups.