Burundian President Ndayishimiye holds secret talks with M23 delegation in Bujumbura
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye reportedly held a secret meeting earlier this month with representatives from the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) — a coalition that includes the M23 rebel movement, in what observers describe as a pivotal diplomatic encounter amid escalating regional tensions.
According to Africa Intelligence, the confidential talks took place in Bujumbura, Burundi’s capital, where the M23 delegation is said to have warned President Ndayishimiye about the potential consequences of continuing to back the Congolese government in Kinshasa.
Burundi’s military involvement in eastern DRC
Since 2023, the Government of Burundi has deployed an estimated 19 military battalions to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in support of FARDC — Congo’s national army — in its prolonged war against M23 rebels.
The rebel envoys’ visit to Bujumbura came amid reports of military cargo planes recently seen at Bujumbura International Airport, allegedly delivering weapons destined for Congolese government forces.
M23 accuses Burundi of aiding attacks
AFC/M23 leadership has repeatedly accused Burundi of allowing its territory to be used by Kinshasa’s military for launching drone strikes and other offensives against M23 positions and nearby civilian areas.
Despite these accusations, the rebel alliance has continued peace talks with the DRC government in Doha, Qatar, even as it openly expressed ambitions to expand its territorial control to include Uvira, a strategic border city between Burundi and DRC.
Uvira: a flashpoint city under Burundian control
Military sources confirm that Uvira, the second-largest city in South Kivu Province, remains under joint control of Burundian and Congolese troops, posing a significant obstacle to M23’s advance. The city’s location in the Ruzizi Valley makes it geographically challenging for the rebels to seize without suffering heavy losses.
According to Africa Intelligence, M23 has opted to delay its offensive on Uvira, hoping to exploit the growing unrest that followed President Félix Tshisekedi’s appointment of Brigadier General Olivier Gasita — accused of collaborating with M23 — as Deputy Chief of Operations and Intelligence in the 33rd Military Region.
M23 seeks truce with Burundi
In a strategic move to avoid direct confrontation with Burundi’s army (FDNB), M23 reportedly proposed a non-aggression pact to President Ndayishimiye, suggesting that neither side should engage the other militarily.
Meanwhile, AFC/M23 has urged Gitega to end its military cooperation with Kinshasa, warning that the DRC conflict could soon spill across regional borders if Burundi remains involved.
Among its conditions, M23 has also asked Burundi to deny refuge to members of Wazalendo militias and FDLR, a Rwandan armed group that includes individuals implicated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Ndayishimiye’s response
President Ndayishimiye reportedly responded firmly, urging M23 to “distance itself from Rwanda”, accusing the movement of undermining Burundi’s national interests through its ties with Kigali.
