Burundi Reinforces Military Presence in Eastern DRC Amid Ongoing Fighting

According to local reports, a military vessel carrying Burundian soldiers and equipment was observed departing from the port of Rumonge on Lake Tanganyika on the evening of April 14, 2026. The deployment is believed to be heading toward Baraka in Fizi territory, a key operational area in South Kivu. Sources indicate that the newly deployed troops are expected to be sent to frontline areas including Gakenke, Mikenke, Kalingi, and Mulima, where fighting has intensified in recent months. Burundian forces are operating alongside Congolese troops and local militias, commonly referred to as Wazalendo, in efforts to regain control of strategic areas such as Minembwe. The area is considered a stronghold of the Twirwaneho group, which emerged claiming to defend the Banyamulenge community. By December 2025, Burundi was reported to have deployed more than 20,000 troops in South Kivu, although some units were later withdrawn following territorial advances by the AFC/M23 coalition in parts of Uvira territory, including the city of Uvira. Recent developments suggest a renewed military push by Burundian forces, with reports indicating a return to active operations aimed at recapturing lost positions and stabilizing contested areas. Meanwhile, the AFC/M23 alliance has continued to accuse Congolese government forces and their allies-including Burundian troops, Wazalendo militias, and other armed groups-of carrying out attacks in several areas across South Kivu, including Gakenke, Kalingi, and Bidegu. These claims have not been independently verified. The escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict continue, including ongoing talks in Switzerland launched on April 13, 2026. However, persistent fighting on the ground underscores the fragile nature of the peace process and the deep mistrust between the parties involved. AFC/M23 representatives have reiterated their stated preference for a political resolution to the conflict, while maintaining that they will continue to defend areas under their control amid ongoing hostilities.

Faits rapportés

According to local reports, a military vessel carrying Burundian soldiers and equipment was observed departing from the port of Rumonge on Lake Tanganyika on the evening of April 14, 2026. The deployment is believed to be heading toward Baraka in Fizi territory, a key operational area in South Kivu. Sources indicate that the newly deployed troops are expected to be sent to frontline areas including Gakenke, Mikenke, Kalingi, and Mulima, where fighting has intensified in recent months. Burundian forces are operating alongside Congolese troops and local militias, commonly referred to as Wazalendo, in efforts to regain control of strategic areas such as Minembwe. The area is considered a stronghold of the Twirwaneho group, which emerged claiming to defend the Banyamulenge community. By December 2025, Burundi was reported to have deployed more than 20,000 troops in South Kivu, although some units were later withdrawn following territorial advances by the AFC/M23 coalition in parts of Uvira territory, including the city of Uvira. Recent developments suggest a renewed military push by Burundian forces, with reports indicating a return to active operations aimed at recapturing lost positions and stabilizing contested areas. Meanwhile, the AFC/M23 alliance has continued to accuse Congolese government forces and their allies-including Burundian troops, Wazalendo militias, and other armed groups-of carrying out attacks in several areas across South Kivu, including Gakenke, Kalingi, and Bidegu. These claims have not been independently verified. The escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict continue, including ongoing talks in Switzerland launched on April 13, 2026. However, persistent fighting on the ground underscores the fragile nature of the peace process and the deep mistrust between the parties involved. AFC/M23 representatives have reiterated their stated preference for a political resolution to the conflict, while maintaining that they will continue to defend areas under their control amid ongoing hostilities.