The secret visit of Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye to Kinshasa took an unexpected and humiliating turn, according to well-informed sources at the Congolese presidency. The issue stems from a major financial disagreement between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding the participation of the Burundian army in the Kivu conflict.
According to our information, President Félix Tshisekedi refused to settle the invoice presented by his Burundian counterpart. The latter claims payment for the engagement of his troops in the fight against AFC/M23 movement in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. However, according to sources close to the matter, Tshisekedi allegedly responded sharply: “Your army lost both Kivu, despite your assurances that the Burundian army would not only destroy the AFC/M23 but also overthrow the government of the neighboring Rwandans.”
Caught off guard, Ndayishimiye reportedly tried to argue by comparing the situation to that of European mercenaries engaged in the conflict: “But, Excellence, even the European mercenaries achieved nothing, yet they were still paid.” A justification that failed to convince the Congolese president, who allegedly retorted coldly: “The contract with the Whites was different. Their payment was made in advance.”
Faced with this refusal, Ndayishimiye was forced to return to Bujumbura without any financial compensation, leaving his troops in uncertainty.
This setback presents a serious problem for the Burundian government. Thousands of soldiers sent to the DRC now find themselves without prospects for bonuses, nor any explanation regarding their future on the ground. Moreover, the families of soldiers captured or killed in the Kivu battles are still waiting for answers and compensation.
This diplomatic humiliation raises the question of the future of Burundian military engagement in the DRC. How will Ndayishimiye justify this situation to his army and his people? What will happen to the soldiers still stationed there?
In his political and military quagmire, one thing is certain: relations between Kinshasa and Bujumbura have taken a notably cold turn.
