KINSHASA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The March 23 Movement (M23) has entered the strategic city of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the rebel group said in a statement on Wednesday.

"We confirm that the city of Uvira is now liberated," M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said on the social media platform X, calling on residents to resume activities with complete calm.

Meanwhile, the DRC government has yet to comment on the latest development in Uvira.

Since Wednesday morning, rebel forces were reportedly seen on the northern outskirts of Uvira before advancing into several neighborhoods. Residents told Xinhua that they saw individuals identified as M23 fighters moving through the city.

Uvira, the second-largest city in South Kivu Province, has served as a temporary administrative center since the fall of Bukavu. ■