Hundreds of demonstrators flooded the streets of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, responding to a call from civil society groups to oppose the appointment of General Olivier Gasita Mukunda as deputy commander of the FARDC’s 33rd military region.
The protestors accuse General Gasita of collaborating with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels during the February seizure of Bukavu, a claim that has ignited public outrage. “We were sent an officer we do not agree with,” said Dunia Prince, one of the demonstrators. “He has a very bad track record in Bukavu and lacks the trust of the people.”
Chanting slogans and waving national flags, the crowd marched peacefully before submitting a memorandum to local authorities, addressed to President Félix Tshisekedi, demanding Gasita’s removal.
Uvira, located in South-Kivu, is currently under joint control of the FARDC and Wazalendo militias. Civil society leaders, including Mapenzi Manyebwa of the Uvira Civil Society Synergy, voiced fears that Gasita’s appointment signals a dangerous concession to rebel forces. “It feels like the city is being handed over,” Manyebwa warned.
Security forces monitored the march, which remained calm until warning shots were fired during dispersal, triggering panic. Civil society groups report at least four fatalities and multiple injuries, though local authorities have yet to confirm the toll.
The FARDC had previously urged restraint, cautioning against manipulation by hostile actors and reaffirming their support for General Gasita.
