The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo met in Bukavu with leaders of the Alliance Fleuve Congo / March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), who have exercised de facto control over the city since February 2025.
The meeting takes place against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian situation in South Kivu. The city recently suffered a series of devastating fires, including a major blaze on September 10 in the Cimpunda neighborhood (Kadutu commune) that destroyed homes and two schools, resulting in dozens of casualties, primarily children. Thousands of residents remain displaced or in high vulnerability. In addition, the eastern region continues to battle an ongoing Ebola outbreak, alongside persistent internal displacement across several territories in the province.
Access and Operational Principles
According to local sources, discussions centered on securing humanitarian access to populations in need, coordinating relief operations, and ensuring adherence to core principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality in areas under AFC/M23 administration.
UN agencies and partner organizations—including OCHA, UNICEF, and international NGOs—maintain active operations in and around Bukavu. However, relief teams face significant access constraints, administrative hurdles imposed by the de facto authority, and declining international funding.
Broader Diplomatic Context
This meeting reflects a broader pattern of engagement between United Nations representatives and de facto authorities in major eastern urban hubs, following similar contacts in Goma earlier this year. The central government in Kinshasa no longer exercises effective administrative control over either city.
Neither the United Nations nor the AFC/M23 issued detailed statements regarding the specifics of the talks as of Friday evening, though further updates are expected in the coming days.
Critical Needs
The humanitarian outlook across South Kivu remains critical, with over one million internally displaced persons reported across the province. Urgent priorities include emergency shelter, clean water access, healthcare, education support, and relieving strain on local infrastructure following the September fires.