"Congolese in Uvira came out onto the streets on Saturday, opening businesses and cleaning up streets and infrastructure after the M23 group advanced into the strategic city in DRC's South Kivu. Footage shows M23 members marching through the streets, as locals and M23 members take part in cleaning efforts. The takeover has left residents uncertain about their safety, with movement restricted and economic activity severely disrupted. Locals said civilians were caught in the crossfire during clashes between M23 and the government and allied Wazalendo forces over the past weeks. "When the Wazalendo withdrew, civilians were hit by bullets. We found ourselves caught between two fronts, between government forces and the M23. It affected us deeply because the Wazalendo started firing in all directions as the M23 advanced,” one resident said. "We are all gathered here to see whether the city is truly at peace. We had heard that in Bukavu the rebels killed many people, which caused great concern here in Uvira," explained another local. "For now, things are calm and they allow us to work without harassment." Cleaning operations in the city have been presented as an public health initiative by the group, with member Lawrence Kayuka visible in the footage leading the efforts to clear a blocked drainage channel. Locals added that they are eager for life to return to normal, including the reopening of schools and the provision of aid to the needy. "Here, we have lost almost everything," one noted. "Elderly people are holding plastic bags and have nothing to eat. We are really asking for help, especially so that free schooling can continue." According to media reports, more than 400 people have been killed in the latest fighting, with thousands of Congolese taking refuge in neighbouring Burundi. The escalation comes despite a US-mediated peace agreement signed last week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington."