Burundian troops, long-time allies of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have escaped criticism from Kinshasa while other contingents of the East African force are accused of “collaborating” with the M23 rebels. This mutual trust between the two countries dates back many years and is reinforced by recent bilateral military agreements.
Since September 2023, no less than 3,200 Burundian soldiers have been deployed in eastern DRC, mainly in the provinces of South Kivu and North Kivu. This Burundian military presence is the result of secret agreements concluded between the two countries, which allowed Burundian troops to pursue Burundian rebel movements based in the DRC.
This military cooperation between Burundi and the DRC began under the presidency of Joseph Kabila. Former Hutu rebels from the CNDD-FDD, in power in Burundi, fought alongside the Congolese during the Congo wars. This collaboration has created a relationship of trust between the two capitals, reinforced by the fact that both countries share a Bantu ethnic origin.
It is in this context that the Burundian army, in accordance with a new bilateral military agreement signed between Félix Tshisekedi and Evariste Ndayishimiye, is gaining strength in the east of the DRC. The country now has four battalions, or around 3,200 soldiers, deployed in this region, and another battalion sent to North Kivu at the request of Kinshasa. Two additional battalions are already positioned near the Congolese border.
Burundian troops arrived in South Kivu in great secrecy at the end of 2021, before officially joining the East African force in September 2022. They were then deployed to North Kivu, at the request of Kinshasa, to secure the area. of Saké after the departure of the M23 rebels. Congolese authorities welcomed the mission, saying the Burundians had “saved face” from the East African force.
In the future, Burundi plans to deploy two additional brigades in North Kivu after the withdrawal of other forces from the East African force. Congolese authorities say the Burundian presence in eastern DRC is intended to last, even when other forces withdraw. However, the exact role of these Burundian troops has not been specified.
For now, the mandate of the East African force in the DRC has been extended until December, time for heads of state to review the mission’s assessment report. However, Congolese authorities warn that a planned and gradual withdrawal is being studied, but it will not concern Burundian forces.
This military cooperation between Burundi and the DRC in the fight against rebel movements is an example of effective regional collaboration.. Despite criticism and tensions in the region, the two countries have managed to maintain mutual trust and work together for the security of their shared borders.