The Burundian army has strongly rejected allegations that it is training and arming members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to carry out attacks against the Banyamulenge community in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement released Sunday and signed by Army spokesperson Gaspard Baratuza, the National Defense Force of Burundi (FDNB) described the claims—made two days earlier by MRDP-Twirwaneho, a Banyamulenge self-defense militia operating in South Kivu—as “false and unjust accusations” aimed at fueling ethnic hatred in the region.
The MRDP-Twirwaneho, in a July 25 communiqué, alleged that FDLR fighters—linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide—were trained and equipped in Burundi before being deployed to areas including Luvungi, Lubarika, Rurambo, and Minembwe. The militia claimed that these forces, allegedly supported by both Burundian and Congolese authorities, have joined local militias and national army units (FARDC) in launching attacks against Banyamulenge civilians, burning homes, stealing livestock, and imposing a humanitarian blockade.
The group warned of “an imminent campaign of ethnic cleansing,” urging the United Nations, African Union, and other regional and international bodies to intervene immediately.
Burundi Rejects Allegations
Responding to the accusations, the FDNB said Burundi maintains peaceful relations with all neighboring countries and adheres to a strict policy of non-aggression.
“Burundi cannot, under any circumstances, support aggressors targeting a neighboring country,” the statement read. “All military training within Burundi is conducted professionally and exclusively for Burundian nationals according to the needs of the FDNB.”
The army emphasized that Burundi has for decades hosted thousands of Congolese refugees, including members of the Banyamulenge community, who continue to live peacefully in camps and urban areas across the country.
According to the FDNB, the current accusations are part of a “genocidal narrative” circulating since the arrival of M23 and Twirwaneho elements in Minembwe, aimed at rekindling ethnic tensions in the volatile highlands of South Kivu.
Burundian Troops in DRC
Burundi confirmed that its troops are deployed in eastern DRC under bilateral agreements with Kinshasa, tasked with combating both Burundian and foreign negative forces.
“This mission is carried out with professionalism and in strict compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law,” Baratuza said, adding that local Congolese communities, including Banyamulenge civilians, have not been harmed by the Burundian presence.
The army urged residents of South Kivu not to succumb to “ethnic-based manipulation” and warned that the areas mentioned in the MRDP-Twirwaneho statement could become initial targets in long-planned attacks against Uvira.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and regional stability, the FDNB called on all parties to resist divisive rhetoric and maintain social cohesion.
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