A workshop focusing on the rapid restoration of state authority took place in Uvira, Sud-Kivu, from September 21 to 23, 2026. The event was formally opened by Jacquemain Shabani, who holds the titles of Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs. The gathering aimed to address persistent challenges within the region, specifically concerning the re-establishment of governmental control and services in areas affected by conflict and instability. The three-day workshop served as a platform for discussions among various stakeholders regarding the practical steps required to reassert state presence and functionality. Participants deliberated on strategies to overcome the significant hurdles hindering the full exercise of state sovereignty across the province.
Lingering Insecurity and Control
Bukavu, the provincial capital of Sud-Kivu, fell under the control of the Alliance Fleuve Congo-M23 (AFC-M23) in February 2025. This occupation notes the continued presence of armed groups in the region, posing a direct challenge to state authority. Further showing the security challenges, residents of Uvira reported hearing heavy and light arms fire on September 22, 2026, during the ongoing workshop. The gunfire was noted in several neighborhoods, including Kasenga, Mulongwe, and near the city's Monument, indicating that even areas hosting official government discussions are not immune to the widespread insecurity. The AFC-M23 rebels reportedly provide security for key figures within their ranks. These include Corneille Nangaa, who serves as the political coordinator of AFC-M23, and Bertrand Bisimwa, the president of M23 and a political leader of the coalition. The incidents in Uvira indicate ongoing instability even as authorities discuss state restoration efforts, demonstrating the immediate and pressing nature of the security crisis facing Sud-Kivu. This persistent insecurity creates a complex environment for any initiatives aimed at restoring governmental control and public services.
Defining True State Authority
The restoration of state authority necessitates the effective administration of territory, deployment of police and justice services, assurance of security, collection of public revenue, and guaranteeing access to essential services. These elements are considered fundamental for a functional state presence and are key for the well-being of the population. Without these foundational pillars, any claims of state authority remain largely theoretical. The ability to manage local governance, provide law enforcement, ensure the safety of citizens, fund public services through taxation, and deliver basic necessities like healthcare and education are all critical indicators. The true measure of state authority will be determined by the capacity of public institutions to exercise their powers effectively on the ground, rather than by the volume of meetings or official pronouncements. This emphasizes a results-oriented approach, focusing on tangible improvements in governance and security for the citizens of Sud-Kivu.
On-the-Ground Reality
In September 2026, Bukavu remained under the control of the Alliance Fleuve Congo-M23 (AFC-M23), while government-aligned provincial authorities continued to administer from Uvira. This geographical split illustrates the fragmented nature of governance in the province, with the official capital under rebel control. Local reports also indicated potential clashes involving Wazalendo militias, which are allegedly maintained by Kinshasa. These militias reportedly operate checkpoints on specific routes within Sud-Kivu, particularly in the Uvira region, further complicating movement and economic activity. The presence of these checkpoints, often manned by non-state actors, creates additional layers of control and potential for conflict. This division of control and ongoing militia activity notes the fragmented nature of governance and security on the ground, presenting significant obstacles to the unified and effective restoration of state authority. The complex interplay of various armed groups, both rebel and government-aligned, shows the challenges faced by the Vice-Prime Minister and other officials in their efforts to stabilize the region.