The M23 Movement has called for the immediate withdrawal of Burundian troops from the territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stating that their presence in the country is illegitimate.
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The request was made by the political spokesperson of M23, Lawrence Kanyuka, in a statement released on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
This appeal came after the Movement seized various areas in South Kivu province on Friday, including the city of Bukavu and Kavumu airport, following the expulsion of a coalition of Congolese government forces, which included Burundian troops.
Reports indicate that after the capture of Bukavu, Burundian troops, along with other forces, retreated to different locations, including the city of Uvira and other areas within South Kivu.
In its statement, M23 demanded that these troops return to their country. “AFC/M23 once again calls on Burundian troops to immediately withdraw from Congolese territory, particularly from areas such as Nkomo, Nyangezi, the Ruzizi Valley, and its surroundings. Their presence there is unjustified, and they should return to Burundi,” the statement read.
M23 further accused Burundian forces of committing ethnic-based killings and causing suffering among Congolese civilians during their military operations in the DRC.
The Movement asserted that the withdrawal of Burundian troops from Congolese soil is an obligation. In addition to allegations of killings, M23’s military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma, accused Burundian and Congolese government forces of looting and destroying various infrastructures in the city of Bukavu on Saturday morning.
