As M23 rebels from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) take control of the border town of Uvira, 52 refugees have crossed into Tanzania’s Kigoma Region, where they are currently undergoing security screening by state authorities.
Uvira, now under the control of the M23 rebels, serves as the administrative capital of South Kivu Province.
The town lies in eastern DRC and borders Tanzania through Lake Tanganyika. The journey from Uvira to Kigoma is short, with water transport costing approximately Sh15,000.
Speaking to The Citizen on Sunday, December 14, 2025, the Kigoma Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Simon Sirro, said the region is fully prepared to address any security threats arising from the situation.
He confirmed that security surveillance and border patrols have been intensified, particularly along Lake Tanganyika, to safeguard residents as authorities question the 52 refugees who fled the unrest.
Ambassador Sirro said preparations began immediately after reports emerged that Uvira had fallen under rebel control, with the government working closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Their are many Burundians, Tanzanians, Ugandans, south sudanese, Somalians, Rwandese, Ethiopians, Eritreans, sudanese, seychellians living in Kenya. And now south African boars.
But most Burundians come to Kenya through Tanzania because it’s easier than having to cross through Rwanda.
So those Congolese are trying to get to Kenya not Tanzania.
Btw, the kinyozi where I shave has Tanzanians trying to earn a living. When I ask them some claims you make here, they say only those who are benefitting are the ones singing praises. The majority are suffering. They then conclude Kenya is a resilient and stable country, you can be sure it will emerge better out of any challenges unlike the rest of Africa especially Tanzania.
