Burundi Deploys More Troops to South Kivu to Reinforce Positions Against M23 Rebels
The Government of Burundi has in recent days deployed additional troops to key territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga, in an effort to block the advance of the AFC/M23 rebel coalition, which has been expanding its control across the region.
According to reports from SOS Médias Burundi, military convoys carrying Burundian troops were seen moving through Kitoga, Muhuzi, and the Itombwe forest, with reinforcements also sent to areas including Minembwe, Mikalati, Kipupu, and Point Zero in Fizi Territory.
The deployment comes amid a rapid expansion of AFC/M23’s influence in South Kivu. Over the past two weeks, the rebel coalition seized several strategic localities — Luntukulu, Chulwe, Kishadu, and Lubimbe — tightening its grip near Mwenga and Shabunda.
Military sources indicate that, beyond containing M23’s advance toward Uvira, Burundian forces are also planning operations against Twirwaneho, a local armed group controlling the Mikenke area in Minembwe.
On October 14, 2025, the DRC government and AFC/M23 signed an agreement to establish a joint monitoring mechanism for the recently declared ceasefire. However, analysts say that the presence and maneuvers of Burundian troops in DRC suggest broader strategic intentions beyond ceasefire enforcement.
Burundi’s military presence in DRC is based on bilateral security agreements signed in 2022 and renewed in 2023. Currently, there are an estimated 20,000 Burundian troops operating in South Kivu, particularly in Uvira and Fizi territories, where they coordinate with Congolese government forces (FARDC).
