The RN5 road, which is commonly used for transportation, passenger travel, and trade, connects residents from the Uvira territory located in the Ruzizi Valley.
On the morning of March 15, 2026, traders traveling from the Runingu center towards Sange were turned back by FARDC and Wazalendo forces.
Radio Maendeleo reported that some passengers traveling from Bukavu to areas in the Ruzizi Valley or the city of Uvira were also blocked, causing a build-up of people at the Sange center as they awaited further instructions.
After a prolonged period of confusion, these residents were informed that no vehicles, motorcycles, or pedestrians were allowed to proceed into the city of Uvira from areas controlled by the AFC/M23 group.
The road had been functioning smoothly from the beginning of December 2025 until January 2026, when AFC/M23 controlled all the areas in the Ruzizi Valley and the city of Uvira.
Since AFC/M23 withdrew from the city of Uvira in mid-January 2026, traffic has significantly decreased on this road due to the fact that travelers now pass through areas controlled by opposing factions.
The FARDC and Wazalendo forces have stated that this decision was made to ensure security in the controlled areas, but the residents do not agree, as they are calling for increased security rather than restrictions on their livelihoods.
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