Burundi Sends Troops Back to Fizi Amid Alleged Threats to Banyamulenge Civilians

Fizi, DRC - 8 January 2026: Burundi has redeployed troops to areas inhabited by the Banyamulenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting condemnation from the armed group MRDP-Twirwaneho, which opposes the DRC government. According to Col Kamasa Ndakize Welcome, spokesman for Twirwaneho, Burundian forces, led by officers including one named Nshimirimana, returned to the Bibokoboko and Point-Zéro areas with intentions to control the mountainous region. He said: "MRDP-Twirwaneho strongly condemns this evil plan of foreign forces, which only aims to attack Banyamulenge civilians in Bibokoboko and Minembwe and block their access, which will make their situation worse." MRDP-Twirwaneho claimed that since March 2025, Burundian troops, collaborating with the DRC government, Wazalendo groups, and FDLR forces, have reportedly killed and tortured civilians, abducted individuals, committed sexual violence, and looted property. Since October 2025, the Banyamulenge in Minembwe have faced worsening conditions, with blocked roads to markets and health centers, causing shortages of basic goods and a spike in deaths, particularly among children under five due to lack of medical care. After the AFC/M23 coalition captured Uvira and much of the Ruzizi Valley in December 2025, many Burundian troops temporarily returned home. Recent reports indicate that they have now redeployed to Fizi, including the town of Baraka, to resume joint operations with DRC forces. MRDP-Twirwaneho warned that it will not tolerate the presence of these troops while civilian security and property remain at risk. This development highlights the ongoing regional complexities in eastern DRC, with foreign forces and local militias continuing to impact the safety and livelihood of vulnerable communities.