GOMA, DRC – The M23 rebel group has claimed the capture of hundreds of Burundian soldiers in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), DZWatch has learned. The announcement comes amid ongoing clashes in the region, despite recent diplomatic efforts aimed at securing peace.
Patrick Busu Bwa, a governor appointed by the M23 in the South Kivu province, stated at a press conference, “We have captured several hundred Burundian soldiers involved in the fighting, and we intend to return them to their homeland.” He further added that Burundi must submit a formal request for their repatriation. “The M23 wants all Burundian forces to leave our territory and return peacefully to their country,” he asserted.
Burundi, which has maintained a military presence in eastern Congo for several years, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the alleged capture.
The M23’s recent actions include entering the strategic town of Uvira, near the Burundian border, just days after a high-profile meeting in Washington D.C. This meeting involved the presidents of Congo and Rwanda, who affirmed their commitment to a peace agreement brokered by the United States.
Earlier this month, a peace accord was purportedly reached in Washington, with the aim of resolving the decades-long conflict in resource-rich eastern Congo. The agreement emphasizes a cessation of hostilities, the preservation of the DRC’s territorial integrity, and the affirmation of its sovereign rights over its mineral resources.
The United Nations and the DRC have repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, allegations Rwanda vehemently denies. Rwanda, in turn, accuses Congolese and Burundian forces of instigating renewed fighting.
The M23 emerged following the collapse of a previous peace agreement signed on March 23, 2009. The group’s ranks are largely comprised of members of the Tutsi ethnic group, to which Rwandan President Paul Kagame belongs.
Burundian Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana has previously stated that “signing an agreement and not implementing it is an insult to everyone.” DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
