Burundian troops, the only survivors of accusations of collaboration with the M23 rebels by the authorities in Kinshasa, continue their deployment in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Burundi, benefiting from privileged links with the DRC for several years, is thus strengthening its military presence in the region, in accordance with a new bilateral agreement signed between presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Evariste Ndayishimiye.
This deployment of Burundian soldiers follows long-standing military cooperation between the two countries. Indeed, since the time of President Joseph Kabila, secret agreements had been concluded allowing Burundi to track down Burundian rebel movements on Congolese soil. This collaboration is the result of a history of mutual support, the former Hutu rebels of the CNDD-FDD in power in Burundi having fought alongside the Congolese during the Congo wars.
Today, around 3,200 Burundian soldiers are deployed in eastern DRC, divided into four battalions as part of the East African Community (EAC) force. Two other battalions are also pre-positioned near the Congolese border. This strengthening of the Burundian military presence aims to ensure mutual security and to compensate for a possible withdrawal of other EAC contingents in the future.
It is interesting to note that this Burundian military presence in the DRC seems to be well received by the Congolese authorities. Burundian troops were praised for their role in securing the Saké area, after the departure of the M23 rebels. Indeed, they made it possible to maintain the presence of the EAC and saved the face of this multinational force.
It is therefore likely that Burundian soldiers will remain in the DRC even after a possible withdrawal of other EAC forces. However, details regarding their future role still remain unclear. Nevertheless, it appears that Burundi intends to deploy two additional brigades in North Kivu, demonstrating its desire to maintain a lasting presence in the region.
In conclusion, the strengthening of the Burundian military presence in eastern DRC demonstrates the mutual trust between the two countries and their desire to collaborate to ensure security in the region. While the other contingents of the EAC are accused of collaboration with the M23 rebels, the Burundian troops stand out by benefiting from a privileged relationship with Kinshasa. The exact role of these Burundian soldiers in the future remains to be determined, but it is clear that their presence in the DRC is set to continue.