"Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jacquemin Shabani, visited Uvira on Wednesday to coordinate the restoration of state authority and regional stability following the M23-AFC withdrawal. Footage captures Shabani’s arrival in Uvira, where he received formal military honours, greeted local crowds, and held talks with officials. During a press briefing on his tour, Shabani stated that the government is currently organising the return of citizens who fled to neighbouring countries due to recent events. “The restoration of State authority is also realised primarily through the return of the institutions of the Republic and its services,” he said, noting that his current mission is a comprehensive evaluation of field challenges to help Kinshasa implement effective solutions. “We consider the city of Uvira to be a pilot city in the initiative to restore State authority,” Shabani stated. The minister outlined a plan to redeploy police, restore social services, and enable the provincial governor to fully resume administrative duties. Uvira residents welcomed the ministerial delegation with cheers, expressing optimism about the return to normal life. “We are overjoyed today because the Deputy Prime Minister has come to restore the authority of the State,” said local Emmanuel Kabanza. “Many products at good prices come from Burundi, which is why we are truly delighted by the opening of our border,” added resident Helene Mashanja. Uvira, located in South Kivu province near the Burundi border, has faced growing instability in recent months amid renewed M23 offensives in eastern DRC. The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, a claim Kigali has repeatedly denied. "