Burundi, through its military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Gaspard Baratuza, has refuted claims that over 200 Burundian soldiers were killed in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they are fighting alongside Congolese government forces against the M23 rebel group.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, January 16, 2025, Gen. Baratuza dismissed the allegations made by M23, describing them as part of a psychological warfare campaign aimed at instilling fear among Burundians.
M23’s Claims of Heavy Burundian Casualties
Earlier this week, M23’s deputy spokesperson, Oscar Barinda, alleged that over 200 Burundian soldiers had been killed in a battle at Ngungu, in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province. He also claimed that several Burundian soldiers had been captured.
Videos and images circulated online purportedly showing the bodies of soldiers killed in the Ngungu area. M23 used these visuals to back their claims, further asserting their dominance in the conflict.
Burundi’s Official Response
Gen. Baratuza confirmed that Burundian troops are operating in the DRC as part of a bilateral agreement to maintain peace and security. However, he categorically denied that the soldiers killed were from Burundi.
He stated:
“In recent days, there have been widespread reports, including inappropriate images circulating online, claiming that Burundian soldiers deployed to the DRC as part of a peace and security mission have been killed. The Burundi Defense Forces want to assure all Burundians and the international community that our soldiers are performing their duties with professionalism and are in good condition.”
Gen. Baratuza emphasized that the Burundian military mission in the DRC is proceeding as planned, despite M23’s continued advances in certain parts of North Kivu Province, where they have reportedly overrun positions held by Congolese and allied forces.
Allegations of Disinformation
The spokesperson also accused those spreading the images and videos of attempting to destabilize Burundians living in peace and demoralizing their armed forces.
He reiterated:
“Such misinformation campaigns are designed to intimidate Burundians and undermine the morale of our soldiers. The images being circulated do not reflect the reality on the ground.”
Past Denials from Burundi’s Leadership
This is not the first time Burundi has denied claims of its soldiers being captured or killed. In previous instances, when M23 displayed individuals it claimed were captured Burundian soldiers, President Évariste Ndayishimiye dismissed the allegations, stating that the individuals shown were fighters from the Red-Tabara rebel group, which has allegedly aligned with M23.
Burundi currently has over 15,000 troops deployed in the DRC under its agreements with the Congolese government. As tensions in the region continue, allegations and counterclaims from both sides highlight the complexity of the ongoing conflict.
