Burundi Tightens Airport Controls to Stop Military Desertions Linked to DRC Conflict

Bujumbura, December 29, 2025 The Government of Burundi has introduced new measures to block the escape route used by soldiers fleeing abroad, amid growing concern that military desertions could increase due to the country’s involvement in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the Burundian presidency, between 2023 and August 2025, at least 14 senior military officers deserted the national army and fled abroad after Burundi’s forces became engaged in fighting against the AFC/M23. Those officers include nine colonels and five majors, alongside numerous soldiers of lower rank. The most recent confirmed defection is that of Lt. Irambona Désiré, whose desertion was officially recognized through a presidential decree signed on December 22, 2025, by President Évariste Ndayishimiye. Sources in Bujumbura indicate that deserters come from various ranks, though the majority are lieutenants and captains. Many reportedly travel to European countries, Canada, or Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where they seek civilian employment. Several soldiers who have fled say they do not understand why they were deployed to fight in the war in eastern DRC, describing fear of prolonged involvement in a foreign conflict as a major reason for desertion. Until recently, desertion through legal travel channels was reportedly facilitated by corruption. Officers from the Special Police Service responsible for issuing passports (PAFE) allegedly demanded bribes and instructed soldiers to obtain identity cards under false names, which were then used to secure travel documents. Following the defeat of AFC/M23 forces in several areas of South Kivu Province, including Katogota, Lubarika, Sange, Kiliba, and the city of Uvira, Burundian authorities grew increasingly concerned that more soldiers would attempt to flee with the assistance of corrupt officials. On December 29, Pacifique Nininahazwe, head of the human rights organization FOCODE, announced that several soldiers had recently been arrested at Bujumbura International Airport while attempting to travel to Dubai in search of work. Some of the arrests reportedly involved PAFE officers suspected of facilitating illegal departures. Earlier, on December 22, Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Édouard Bizimana, issued a decree introducing stricter requirements for Burundians seeking employment abroad. While officially applicable to all citizens, multiple sources say the measure primarily targets military personnel attempting to desert. Under the new rules, any Burundian departing for work abroad must present an identity card issued by the competent ministry, a signed contract from the employer, and authorization from a family member. For soldiers, this effectively requires documentation from the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs, which is not issued to active-duty personnel. Previously, Burundi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs only monitored labor migration to countries that had formal worker-exchange agreements with Burundi. The new directive expands oversight to all destination countries, including those without bilateral agreements. The move signals a significant tightening of controls as Burundi seeks to curb military desertions amid growing domestic unease over its role in the DRC conflict.