Burundi has begun withdrawing its forces from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, dealing a significant blow to the Congolese military’s efforts against M23 rebels. The move, confirmed by multiple sources, is exacerbating the challenges faced by Congo as it struggles to halt the rebel advance.
Burundian troops had been fighting alongside Congolese forces to defend key areas, including Kavumu, which houses the airport for Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Despite their efforts, M23 rebels seized Bukavu over the weekend, following their capture of Goma in late January.
The withdrawal came on the heels of a troubling report from the United Nations. The U.N. human rights office accused M23 rebels of executing three children during their march through eastern Congo, a devastating reminder of the group’s brutal tactics.
An officer in the Burundian army confirmed the troop withdrawal, noting that trucks filled with military personnel arrived at the border since the previous day. Some Burundian soldiers, however, are believed to remain on the Congolese side of the border.
M23, an ethnic Tutsi-led group, has emerged as a major player in Congo’s volatile east. The group is well-equipped and continues to make significant territorial gains. As they fight for control of the region’s mineral-rich resources, the situation remains dire for local populations.