Burundi in the face of the consequences of its intervention in the eastern DRCongo

Burundi is facing growing internal tension as its covert military involvement in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) begins to bear heavy consequences. Under a secret military cooperation agreement, Burundian troops have been deployed to fight in a conflict that has remained largely hidden from public debate. The only official voice addressing this deployment has been President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who sporadically speaks to the media to justify the country’s role in the regional crisis.

However, criticism is tightly controlled. “Public discussion is nearly impossible, especially within the military,” a Burundian analyst said anonymously. “Everyone knows Burundian soldiers are dying in Congo, but speaking about it—even on WhatsApp groups—has led to arrests.”

According to Le Monde, which broke the story, Burundi is now struggling with the fallout of this ill-prepared military adventure. The report claims many of the deployed soldiers were young and lacked combat experience, having undergone only three months of basic training. Most had only previously served in peacekeeping missions in Somalia and the Central African Republic.[irp posts=”26263″ ]

A deadly turning point reportedly occurred during battles in Ngungu, where many Burundian troops were killed. Following this, FARDC (DRC’s army), Wazalendo militias, and the FDLR forces allegedly fled, leaving Burundian troops exposed.

To date, the Burundian government has not disclosed how many of its soldiers have been killed in Congo, though sources claim the casualties number in the hundreds. The UN is said to have confirmed the death of a deputy commander among the Burundian forces.

Meanwhile, the Burundian regime is being accused of concealing the economic hardships that are worsening as a result of this external conflict.