Former Burundian Vice President Questions Presence of Rwandan Troops in Eastern DRC

Bujumbura, 6 April 2026 - Former Burundian Vice President Gaston Sindimwo has stated that, based on his own assessment, there is no clear evidence of the presence of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) troops in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Speaking during an interview broadcast on the African TV YouTube channel, Sindimwo said he had not personally seen proof supporting claims that Rwandan forces are operating inside Congolese territory. “To this day, I have not seen that the RDF is in Congo,” he said when asked whether such forces could withdraw from the region. He emphasized that his position was based on personal observation and analysis rather than formal investigation. “I am not a judge, I have not conducted any investigations; I am only stating what I have analyzed, what I have seen,” he added. Sindimwo also cast doubt on reports alleging the presence of Rwandan troops, arguing that publication by bodies affiliated with the United Nations does not automatically guarantee accuracy. He suggested that such reports can sometimes generate unnecessary alarm. The government of Rwanda has consistently denied deploying troops to the DRC, maintaining that its actions have been limited to reinforcing border security to prevent attacks by armed groups threatening its territory. According to Sindimwo, these measures are more likely defensive in nature, aimed at neutralizing potential threats along the border rather than indicating a military presence in the DRC. He added, however, that if Rwandan troops were indeed operating in Congolese territory, evidence such as captured soldiers would be expected to substantiate such claims.