Several Burundian organizations, including CAPES+, FOLUCON.F, and ACOPA Burundi, have strongly criticized the government’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The deployment of Burundian troops to support the Congolese army (FARDC) in fighting the M23 movement has sparked public concern.
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Representatives of these organizations have voiced fears that the conflict may soon threaten Burundi’s security. They pointed to recent remarks by President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who claimed that Rwanda, allegedly supporting M23 and Red-Tabara, poses a potential threat to Burundi.
Isaac Bakanibona, speaking to Voice of America, stated, “We are saddened by the loss of life in eastern DRC and urge President Evariste Ndayishimiye to stay out of the conflict.”
Kwizera Privat, spokesperson for FOLUCON.F, accused Rwanda of being behind the insecurity in the region. He called on the international community to intervene and end the conflict.
The MSP political party in Burundi also expressed concern, warning that the conflict in South Kivu may spread into Burundian territory. Juma Omar, the party’s secretary-general, pledged to support President Ndayishimiye in defending the country against potential threats from the DRC.
Burundian officials have frequently accused Rwanda of backing M23, which recently forced back a coalition of Burundian forces, FARDC, Wazalendo, and FDLR near Goma. Burundian forces were deployed to help protect key cities like Goma, Sake, Minova, and Bukavu. While most of these areas have been captured by M23, Bukavu remains under government control but faces an imminent threat.
Rwanda has consistently denied providing support to M23, instead accusing Burundi and Kinshasa of collaborating with the FDLR, a militia linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
International bodies have called on Rwanda to end any alleged backing of M23 and urged Kinshasa to cease its cooperation with the FDLR.
The conflict is now reportedly approaching Kavumu Airport, located 40 kilometers from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province, which shares a border with Burundi through Uvira and Gatumba.
