Burundian Army Denies Accusations of Collaboration with FARDC and Militia in North Kivu Conflict

The Burundian army denies accusations that its troops, part of a peacekeeping mission in North Kivu, are fighting with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) against M23 rebels.

M23 claims Burundian troops violated the peacekeeping mission and joined the FARDC and a militia coalition. Major Willy Ngoma, the M23 Military spokesperson,  released a video featuring purported Burundian soldiers captured while fighting with FARDC.

The Burundian army denies these claims as slander and emphasizes its troops’ professionalism. Colonel Floribert Biyereke, the spokesperson for the Burundi National Defense Force, released a statement saying there are also allegations of M23 blocking Burundian troops from supplying food to their bases, prompting warnings of necessary measures.

“These slanderous assertions constitute a serious insult with regard to the professionalism with which its troops carry out their mission wherever they are deployed. The Burundian soldiers have never collaborated with any armed group and never intend to do so. These malicious remarks are considered to have ulterior intentions,” He said

He adds: “The command of the Regional Force of the Community was contacted to resolve this issue but was unable to persuade M23. The Burundian contingent, deployed as part of the East African Community Regional Force, is obliged to take necessary measures,”

The mandate of East African Community Regional Force troops is to reclaim M23-held positions, but the DR Congo government is reluctant to renew their mandate, citing accusations of not effectively combating M23.

Recent fighting has erupted in various areas, with M23 accusing FARDC and the militia coalition of using fighter jets. M23 rebels, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and General Sultan Makenga, initiated the conflict in March 2022, alleging corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination in the DR Congo government.