DRC and Burundi Accused of Increasing Troop Deployments in Fizi Highlands to Target Banyamulenge

Fizi, South Kivu (DRC) - The Movement for the Defense of the People - Twirwaneho (MRDP-Twirwaneho) has accused the governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi of deploying additional troops to the highlands of Fizi Territory with the alleged aim of targeting the Banyamulenge community.

In a statement released this week, the group claimed that more than 10 Burundian battalions are currently operating in the highlands of Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga, and that these forces have launched “serious attacks” against Banyamulenge civilians since early last week.

According to MRDP-Twirwaneho, the deployment includes two Burundian battalions and one Congolese battalion (the 3303rd), all reportedly led by Gen. Chivire. The units are said to be stationed at “Point-Zéro,” a key military position at the entrance to Minembwe, a town predominantly inhabited by the Banyamulenge.

Twirwaneho further alleged that the Burundian troops had crossed into DRC territory via Lake Tanganyika, using a military vessel. The group claimed the troops came from several Burundian army divisions commanded by senior officers, including Brig. Gen. Hakizimana Pontien (1st Division), Brig. Gen. Ndenzako Michel (2nd Division), Brig. Gen. Habarugira Jean-Luc (3rd Division), and Brig. Gen. Manirakiza Désiré, known as Gacanga (4th Division).

“The increase in Burundian troops in Fizi shows that the military cooperation between the DRC and Burundi governments paves the way for the continued deployment of Burundian troops in the highlands in order to commit genocide against the Banyamulenge,” the statement read.

Minembwe and the surrounding highlands have been the scene of repeated violence targeting the Banyamulenge community - a Tutsi-speaking minority - since 2017. The attacks have reportedly displaced more than 328,000 people, destroyed over 550 villages, and led to widespread looting of livestock and the destruction of infrastructure including schools and health centers.

MRDP-Twirwaneho accuses the Congolese and Burundian armies, along with local Wazalendo militias and members of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), of sharing what it describes as “an ideology of hatred against the Tutsi” and coordinating assaults on Banyamulenge communities.

Neither the DRC nor Burundian authorities have issued an official response to the allegations.

The situation in Fizi remains tense, as reports of military movements and renewed clashes continue to raise fears of further humanitarian crises in South Kivu’s highlands.