Congo Security Forces Fire on Protesters in Uvira, Reports of Casualties

Protest Erupts in Uvira

• ⚡ Security forces in Uvira, eastern Congo, opened fire on protesters on Monday, with witnesses reporting several injuries and deaths.
• 🎯 The demonstration was a direct response to the appointment of General Olivia Gacita as deputy commander of the region's military forces.

Accusations Against General Gacita

• ⚠️ Demonstrators accused General Gacita of having connections with M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda and have seized significant territory in eastern DRC.
• 💬 Protesters demanded Gacita's immediate removal, with one resident stating, "Gazita should leave. He should show us the boat he came on so we can send him back because we congalles want peace."

Official Confirmation and Unverified Claims

• ✅ Governor Jeanjac Purusi Sadiki confirmed that unarmed protesters were hit by gunfire, but did not specify who fired or provide exact casualty figures.
• 🔍 Local civil society groups claimed fatalities and numerous injuries, though Reuters could not independently verify these numbers.

Uvira's Contested Status

• 🗺️ Uvira is located in South Kivu province and is currently controlled by a coalition of the military and local militias.
• ⚔️ The city has been a contested area in the ongoing conflict between Congo's armed forces and the M23 rebel group.