
Rwanda has accused Burundian troops of directly engaging in combat against the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This accusation comes amid escalating tensions and a warning from Burundi’s president that the conflict could ignite a regional war.
The M23, a Rwanda-backed rebel group, recently captured the city of Goma, further destabilizing the region.
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye expressed grave concerns, stating that the ongoing conflict poses a significant threat to regional stability and could potentially escalate into a wider war.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, publicly stated on social media platform X that Burundian forces have been actively involved in combat operations against the M23 since October 2023.
This assertion follows reports from a Burundian military source confirming the presence of over 10,000 Burundian troops deployed in eastern DRC as part of a regional peacekeeping force.
President Ndayishimiye issued a stern warning, accusing Rwanda of preparing for aggression against Burundi and vowing to prevent any such actions.