Burundi Reinforces Military Presence in Kalemie Amid Tensions in Eastern DRC

Kalemie, DRC - January 20, 2026 - Burundi has significantly increased its military presence in the town of Kalemie, capital of Tanganyika Province, amid concerns that the AFC/M23 coalition could resume fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). According to security sources, the Burundian government has deployed up to 29,000 soldiers, along with members of the Imbonerakure, to protect the city from a possible takeover by AFC/M23 forces. In Kalemie, Burundian troops have reportedly coordinated with the DRC army, Wazalendo militias, the FDLR, as well as foreign contractors and personnel. On January 13, two ships carrying hundreds of Burundian soldiers arrived at the Port of Kalemie from Bujumbura via Rumonge, according to eyewitnesses. Three days earlier, two aircraft had transported approximately 400 DRC soldiers into the city. Analysts note that the current troop buildup resembles the situation in Goma at the end of 2024, when more than 60,000 troops were deployed to prevent AFC/M23 from capturing the city-an effort that ultimately failed when Goma fell on January 27, 2025. In Kalemie, however, there is currently no confirmed evidence that AFC/M23 intends to advance on the city. The group previously captured Uvira on December 9, 2025, before withdrawing all fighters by January 17, 2026, moving toward Kamanyola. The joint actions of the Burundian army, DRC forces, and allied groups suggest preparations for renewed military operations against AFC/M23 positions in South Kivu Province. Sources in South Kivu report that since January 7, Burundian and DRC forces have been conducting surveillance operations on Lake Tanganyika, primarily from Kalemie, extending to Baraka and Makobola in Fizi Territory. On that date, approximately 2,000 troops arrived aboard three ships at the Port of Baraka. Both in Baraka and Kalemie, heavy and light weapons, as well as other military equipment, have continued to be delivered. The DRC government’s arsenal reportedly includes five surveillance drones, four CH-4 combat drones, two Sukhoi-25 fighter jets, three Mi-24 attack helicopters, and four Mi-8 transport helicopters, operated in part by foreign contractors. On January 9, a boat carrying more than 150 Burundian commandos, reportedly in disguise, was spotted at the Port of Baraka en route to Makobola. A Burundian soldier with the rank of sergeant said their mission was to attack AFC/M23 positions. Leaders of Wazalendo militias, including William Yakutumba, who styles himself as “General,” also confirmed their intention to launch operations aimed at removing AFC/M23 from eastern DRC following its withdrawal from Uvira. On January 18, the Permanent Secretary of AFC/M23, Benjamin Mbonimpa, warned that if DRC government forces continued to attack their positions, they would be defeated, adding that international support for the government would not be unconditional.

Faits rapportés

Kalemie, DRC - January 20, 2026 - Burundi has significantly increased its military presence in the town of Kalemie, capital of Tanganyika Province, amid concerns that the AFC/M23 coalition could resume fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). According to security sources, the Burundian government has deployed up to 29,000 soldiers, along with members of the Imbonerakure, to protect the city from a possible takeover by AFC/M23 forces. In Kalemie, Burundian troops have reportedly coordinated with the DRC army, Wazalendo militias, the FDLR, as well as foreign contractors and personnel. On January 13, two ships carrying hundreds of Burundian soldiers arrived at the Port of Kalemie from Bujumbura via Rumonge, according to eyewitnesses. Three days earlier, two aircraft had transported approximately 400 DRC soldiers into the city. Analysts note that the current troop buildup resembles the situation in Goma at the end of 2024, when more than 60,000 troops were deployed to prevent AFC/M23 from capturing the city-an effort that ultimately failed when Goma fell on January 27, 2025. In Kalemie, however, there is currently no confirmed evidence that AFC/M23 intends to advance on the city. The group previously captured Uvira on December 9, 2025, before withdrawing all fighters by January 17, 2026, moving toward Kamanyola. The joint actions of the Burundian army, DRC forces, and allied groups suggest preparations for renewed military operations against AFC/M23 positions in South Kivu Province. Sources in South Kivu report that since January 7, Burundian and DRC forces have been conducting surveillance operations on Lake Tanganyika, primarily from Kalemie, extending to Baraka and Makobola in Fizi Territory. On that date, approximately 2,000 troops arrived aboard three ships at the Port of Baraka. Both in Baraka and Kalemie, heavy and light weapons, as well as other military equipment, have continued to be delivered. The DRC government’s arsenal reportedly includes five surveillance drones, four CH-4 combat drones, two Sukhoi-25 fighter jets, three Mi-24 attack helicopters, and four Mi-8 transport helicopters, operated in part by foreign contractors. On January 9, a boat carrying more than 150 Burundian commandos, reportedly in disguise, was spotted at the Port of Baraka en route to Makobola. A Burundian soldier with the rank of sergeant said their mission was to attack AFC/M23 positions. Leaders of Wazalendo militias, including William Yakutumba, who styles himself as “General,” also confirmed their intention to launch operations aimed at removing AFC/M23 from eastern DRC following its withdrawal from Uvira. On January 18, the Permanent Secretary of AFC/M23, Benjamin Mbonimpa, warned that if DRC government forces continued to attack their positions, they would be defeated, adding that international support for the government would not be unconditional.