Congo-Burundi Security Talks Come After Fresh Drone Attack in Kisangani
Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, is expected to travel to Bujumbura after spending his first night in the city of Uvira, where sporadic fighting continues to be reported in surrounding areas of South Kivu Province.
According to regional sources, the Congolese official is scheduled to hold talks with Burundi’s Defense Minister, Marie Chantal Nijimbere, amid growing security concerns in the Great Lakes region.
The discussions are expected to focus on military cooperation between Burundi and Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly coordination between the Burundian National Defense Forces and the Congolese army in ongoing security operations in eastern Congo.
Military experts from both countries are also expected to review and reinforce operational cooperation between Burundian troops deployed alongside the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).
The diplomatic and military consultations come at a time of escalating tensions in eastern Congo, where drone warfare and clashes involving the rebel alliance AFC/M23 have intensified.
On Sunday evening, May 24, the Bangoka International Airport in the city of Kisangani came under a drone attack, according to local media reports and sources close to the Congolese government.
The attack reportedly took place at around 6:00 p.m. Pro-government media outlets claimed that two drones were intercepted before reaching their targets at the airport.
However, other reports indicated that the strike may have destroyed a command center allegedly used by FARDC to coordinate drone operations. Unconfirmed reports also suggested that several Congolese soldiers may have been killed in the attack.
Following the incident, authorities temporarily suspended flights to and from the airport.
In recent weeks, FARDC forces have intensified drone operations in areas controlled by AFC/M23, especially in the highland region of Minembwe. Over the past two days, heavy drone strikes were also reported in the areas of Rubaya and Rumangabo, further heightening tensions across eastern Congo.
