Protests have erupted in Uvira, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as hundreds of citizens took to the streets to express their discontent with the recent appointment of General Olivier Gasita Mukunda as deputy commander of the 33rd military region of the DRC’s Armed Forces. The demonstrators, organized by civil‑society groups, demanded Gasita’s removal, accusing him of collaborating with the Rwanda‑backed M23 rebels during the seizure of Bukavu last February.
During the march, protesters waved banners, signs and national flags, chanted slogans against the general and submitted a memorandum to local authorities addressed to President Félix Tshisekedi. One participant, Dunia Prince, said, “We were sent an officer we do not agree with, General Olivier Gasita. He has a very bad track record in Bukavu. He does not have the trust of the people, which is why together with the population, we have stood up to demand his removal.”
Uvira, located in South‑Kivu, is currently under the control of a coalition formed by the FARDC and Wazalendo militias. Mapenzi Manyebwa, president of the Uvira Civil Society Synergy, warned that Gasita’s appointment signals that authorities are willing to “hand over the city to the rebels.” The police and army oversaw the march, which remained peaceful until warning shots were fired as the demonstration was being dispersed, causing panic.
Civil‑society groups report at least four deaths and several injuries, although local authorities have not confirmed these figures. The FARDC had already called for calm the previous weekend, warning against manipulation by enemies and reaffirming its support for the contested officer. The situation remains tense, with the protesters’ demands still unmet. The DRC government’s next steps in addressing the concerns of the Uvira population will be crucial in determining the outcome of this crisis.
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