In the Kibira forest, blood is being shed. Burundian forces have launched fierce attacks on FLN rebel positions, accusing the group of refusing to join them in the intense war against the AFC/M23 in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
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While the war in South Kivu continues to challenge the alliance of the Congolese government forces and their partners, including Burundi, the FLN rebel group finds itself in a tough spot.
Authorities in Bujumbura accuse the FLN, comprised mainly of Rwandan rebels seeking to overthrow the Rwandan government, of betraying the alliance they had formed when AFC/M23 began capturing large parts of South Kivu.
A Burundian soldier who spoke to SOS Médias revealed that FLN fighters “delayed and refused” to join the battle in South Kivu and instead fled into the Kibira forest located in Cibitoke Province.
He stated, “Their refusal was seen as treason. They were warned but chose to escape into Kibira.”
Since March 2025, Burundian forces have launched major offensives on FLN positions in Mabayi Commune and continued these attacks into early May. These areas are all within Cibitoke Province, where the Kibira forest is located.
On May 21st, another heavy battle occurred in Bukinanyana Commune. A Burundian army officer confirmed that the attack was based on intelligence reports indicating that the FLN had been forcibly collecting food from villagers in the surrounding hills.
During that fighting, 12 FLN fighters were killed, one Burundian soldier died, three others were injured, and five rebels were captured alive.
In late 2023, a report by United Nations experts revealed that Burundi had strengthened its ties with the FLN, especially as relations between Bujumbura and Kigali had once again deteriorated. At that time, the FLN and the Burundian army had joined forces to fight RED Tabara, a rebel group opposing President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s government.
However, as AFC/M23 continued seizing key territories in South Kivu, including the city of Bukavu, tensions grew between the FLN and the Burundian military.
Burundi has since deepened its cooperation with the Congolese national army (FARDC), the FDLR (a group composed of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda), and the Wazalendo coalition of militias. But FLN’s refusal to fight with AFC/M23 has soured its relationship with Burundi, sparking a new internal conflict deep within the Kibira forest.
The situation in eastern DR Congo remains complex. The growing number of armed groups, shifting alliances driven by short-term interests, and widespread mistrust among supposed allies paint a picture of chaotic warfare, where yesterday’s friend can become today’s enemy.
