France, Feb. 24 -- The Kavimvira crossing, a key trade route linking Uvira in South Kivu province with Burundi's economic capital Bujumbura, reopened on Monday after Congolese authorities reasserted control of the area.

Operations will resume from 5am to 5pm daily.

An official ceremony, in the presence of Congolese and Burundian representatives, will be held on Tuesday.

The Kavimvira post was closed in December after the Rwanda-backed M23 seized the town of Uvira in eastern DRC, giving it control of the land border with Burundi and cutting off the DRC from military support from its neighbour.

Congolese authorities say the threat has been "significantly reduced" following the withdrawal of rebel forces from Uvira on 18 January.

The 'w...