The Kavimvira border crossing between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo was officially reopened by Burundian authorities after being shut for more than two months due to violent clashes in eastern Congo. Local officials noted that the crossing, which is critical for trade and transport between the two nations, had been closed since December following an attack by the M23 rebel group on the Congolese town of Uvira. This attack had a significant impact on the region, displacing around 80,000 Congolese civilians into Burundi according to UN estimates.

With the reopening of the border crossing, a representative from Burundian border police reported that many Congolese citizens have already begun returning to their homes. However, other border points remain closed due to ongoing hostilities involving M23 fighters, and thousands of displaced persons continue to reside in refugee camps throughout Burundi. The complexity of the situation highlights the challenges faced by both countries as they navigate security and humanitarian needs in the wake of conflict.

The M23 rebel group had previously withdrawn from Uvira in January; however, the overarching tensions in the region persist. The reopening of the Kavimvira crossing is a vital step towards restoring normalcy and facilitating trade between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and it underscores the intertwined fates of both nations amidst the ongoing unrest in eastern Congo.