AFC/M23 Pledges Humane Treatment for Captured Burundian Soldiers

Goma, December 9, 2025 - The AFC/M23 coalition fighting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced that Burundian soldiers captured on the battlefield in South Kivu province will be treated well until they are safely returned home.

Bertrand Bisimwa, AFC/M23 Deputy Director for Political Affairs, Democracy and Governance, stated at a press conference in Goma:

“Even Burundian soldiers captured on the battlefield will be treated in a way that teaches them that this conflict is a Congolese issue that they should not interfere in. We will work to ensure that they return to their country peacefully.”

Bisimwa criticized Burundi’s involvement, claiming that President Félix Tshisekedi brought Burundian forces into the conflict to target AFC/M23 fighters, and warned that the war could spread throughout the region. He called for an immediate withdrawal of Burundian troops from DRC territory, stressing that AFC/M23 has no plans to attack Burundi, despite provocations.

The coalition has been gaining control over large parts of South Kivu, seizing areas from Burundian troops, DRC forces, Wazalendo, and FDLR groups. On December 9, AFC/M23 captured the Kiliba center, located approximately 20 kilometers from the city of Uvira.

This announcement highlights the coalition’s commitment to humane treatment of prisoners, while emphasizing that the conflict remains a domestic Congolese issue.