After Uvira losses, Burundi redeploys forces to secure Kalemie
Reports from Burundi’s military indicate that between December 29, 2025, and January 4, 2026, Burundi carried out a new deployment of its troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reinforcing its military presence amid escalating clashes involving AFC/M23.
According to the information, the Burundian soldiers were deployed to support the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and allied Wazalendo fighters, while also strengthening security in strategic areas including Bibokoboko, Point Zéro, and Milimba in Fizi Territory, as well as parts of Tanganyika Province, particularly Kalemie, the provincial capital.
The redeployment operation was organized from bases of Burundi’s naval forces in Rumonge, a former province located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Security sources cited by the outlet say that around ten military trucks, along with additional vehicles carrying military equipment and personnel, began moving on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
The troop movements were reportedly conducted at night and during early morning hours, a strategy believed to be aimed at avoiding detection.
A Burundian soldier, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the redeployment followed an earlier operation in which FARDC soldiers and Wazalendo fighters who had fled into Burundi during the capture of Uvira by M23 were returned to Congolese territory. In the previous week, Burundi’s naval forces reportedly carried out two transport operations by boat, ferrying FARDC and Wazalendo fighters to Kalemie.
Burundi’s decision to redeploy troops comes after a significant withdrawal in December 2025, when many Burundian forces pulled out of eastern DRC following military setbacks against AFC/M23.
Recently, Révérien Ndikuriyo, Secretary-General of Burundi’s ruling CNDD-FDD party, told journalists that the earlier withdrawal amounted to a “tactical or security-related repositioning,” while emphasizing that Burundi retains full control over its military decisions. He added: “Congo is like our own home; we go there whenever we choose.”
Beyond the Rumonge route, sources report that additional Burundian troops were assembled at Stade de Vyizigiro, located in the southwestern part of the country, before being transported by military vessels. Fast patrol boats operated by Burundi’s naval forces were also used to support the operation.
Current indications suggest that Burundi’s immediate objective is to reinforce two battalions that remained deployed in the DRC, as military pressure from AFC/M23 continues to intensify.
Security sources further report growing concern over the defense of Kalemie, a city considered a strategic stronghold in Tanganyika Province. Fears of a possible advance toward Kalemie have increased following the fall of Uvira last month, despite the heavy military presence that had been deployed there.
