Following the capture of Uvira by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, a political analyst states the rebels may now advance south towards the strategic and financial province of Katanga.
Political scientist Christian Moleka Kibamgu said the M23 has three options after taking Uvira: move towards Mana and Kindu, go north towards Kisangani, or head south towards Katanga. He assessed the southern advance as the most likely.
“Katanga is strategically important because it’s Kinshasa’s financial stronghold,” Kibamgu stated. He noted the rebels’ position on Lake Tanganyika allows a route towards Katanga via the Marungu Plateau.
Kibamgu also said the rebels could find political support in Katanga due to reported hostility from some local leaders towards the central government in Kinshasa, and existing community tensions. He concluded Katanga could be a more favorable objective than Kisangani.
