As Burundian soldiers continue to suffer heavy losses on Congolese soil, First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye has been seen smiling and enjoying herself in murky waters, shortly after Burundi deployed more troops to fight M23 and Twirwaneho rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
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However, the situation in the DRC is far from stable. Burundian forces have been retreating and facing intense clashes around the Uvira region, despite hopes that a temporary ceasefire would allow them to regroup.
While insecurity worsens in eastern DRC, more Burundian troops have been deployed to Fizi and Uvira territories. These forces are expected to confront and neutralize the M23/AFC coalition and the Twirwaneho militia.
In recent days, increased military movement has been observed in key areas such as Bijombo and Minembwe, raising fears among civilians about a possible resurgence of full-scale war.
Reports from the frontlines indicate that since Wednesday, newly deployed Burundian soldiers have crossed Lake Tanganyika and entered Uvira and Fizi. Their mission is to reinforce security and mount an offensive against M23/AFC and Twirwaneho in their strongholds.
According to SOS Médias Burundi, this new deployment follows intense clashes in Kahololo (Uvira) and Rugezi (Fizi), where Burundian troops, FARDC, Wazalendo fighters, and Twirwaneho clashed with M23/AFC forces.
On Thursday, many Burundian soldiers stationed at the Mboko port informed residents that they were heading to Bijombo, considered a strategic stronghold in the fight against M23/AFC forces.
Additional military units have been seen in Swima, along roads leading to Gihamba and Kajembwe. In Kirumba, local populations are increasingly worried about the escalation of violence.
In the aftermath of the Rugezi fighting, Burundian forces reportedly retreated to Mukela, where they are now regrouping for a potential counteroffensive against Twirwaneho positions. In Mulima, another military column is said to be preparing a route toward Minembwe.
All these developments follow a high-level military meeting between top commanders from Burundi and the DRC held in Uvira on May 14.
Burundi first deployed troops to the DRC in 2022 to target Burundian rebel groups like Red-Tabara and FNL. However, the mission has since expanded. Currently, more than 10,000 Burundian soldiers are working alongside FARDC and pro-government militias in fighting the M23/AFC coalition.
Although the original goal was to eliminate threats to Burundian security, the mission has shifted dramatically. Burundian troops now find themselves battling the well-organized and heavily armed M23/AFC forces, who are committed to bringing down President Tshisekedi’s regime.
As the First Lady of Burundi enjoys herself publicly, her nation’s soldiers continue to die in a brutal and complex foreign war.
