Ndayishimiye Denies Burundi’s Role in DRC War

January 17, 2026 - Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has denied his country’s involvement in the war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), presenting himself as a key actor in efforts to restore peace and reconciliation in the region. Since 2022, the Burundian government has deployed troops to eastern DRC under a bilateral agreement aimed at combating armed groups, including RED Tabara and M23. Burundian forces reportedly suffered heavy losses in North Kivu Province before withdrawing toward South Kivu, where M23 later seized key cities, including Bukavu and Uvira. Speaking to diplomats in Burundi, Ndayishimiye said he played a major role last year in resolving the conflict, despite widespread perceptions that his country was directly involved in the fighting. “No, Burundi is not at war. Burundi went to help the DRC to protect the security of its people. We did not go to war. That is why we continue to do our best to play a role in reconciliation, so that the region can find peace,” he said. He further claimed that the arrival of the Burundian army in South Kivu helped unite previously divided communities, including the Banyamulenge, Bembe, and Fulero. “You have seen that when the Burundian army arrived in South Kivu, the Banyamulenge, the Bembe, and the Fulero who were fighting immediately united... In South Kivu, we united everyone, and now I am happy that everyone is sending me messages of gratitude,” he said. However, despite these claims, reports indicate that in 2025, the Burundian army launched major attacks on the Banyamulenge in Minembwe, in collaboration with the DRC government, Wazalendo groups - including Ababembe and Abafulero - and the FDLR terrorist group. In October 2025, Burundian forces reportedly blocked all roads connecting Minembwe commune to other parts of South Kivu Province, restricting access to markets and health services, citing the presence of the MRDP-Twirwaneho group. After the AFC/M23 captured Uvira on December 9, Burundian military operations in the DRC were temporarily disrupted. However, attacks have since resumed on Minembwe and surrounding areas where Banyamulenge communities have sought refuge, in coordination with DRC and Wazalendo forces.