The Burundi immigration office has reportedly barred entry to several Burundian nationals returning from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), citing passport stamps issued by the armed coalition AFC/M23. The incident occurred at the Kobero border post in Muyinga Province, raising concerns about discrimination and regional security tensions.
Most of those affected are truck drivers and traders who had traveled through territories controlled by the M23-backed coalition known as AFC/M23. The group currently oversees immigration services in several towns under its control, including Bunagana and Goma in North Kivu, as well as Bukavu in South Kivu.
According to SOS Media Burundi, Burundian travelers arriving at Kobero found their passports confiscated, while some were denied entry and turned away without explanation. One of the affected individuals, speaking anonymously, said:
“They took my passport and expelled me without giving a reason. I’ve been sleeping outside the border post for two nights.”
Curiously, nationals of other countries, including Congolese, with similar AFC/M23 entry stamps, have reportedly not faced any restrictions at the same border.
“Why is it only Burundians being targeted like this?” asked one frustrated trader.
Truck drivers stranded at the border report that they are losing money daily as they are prevented from completing deliveries to Bujumbura.
“We are incurring heavy losses. We can’t deliver our goods, and we’re still being charged parking fees every day,” said one driver.
Tensions between Burundi and the M23-aligned AFC/M23 coalition have escalated in recent years. Since 2023, the Burundian army has been cooperating with the DRC military to fight the rebel alliance. In retaliation, AFC/M23 expelled Burundian and Congolese forces from key towns in North and South Kivu, including Bukavu earlier this year.
Following its territorial gains, AFC/M23 began managing immigration checkpoints in cities it controls, a role it initially assumed in Bunagana in June 2022.
The Burundian government considers AFC/M23 an enemy force, and this policy of passport scrutiny may reflect broader geopolitical hostilities. However, critics argue that penalizing civilians — especially those involved in cross-border trade — could exacerbate humanitarian issues and further strain regional relations.
