Congolese Analyst Arrested in Burundi Amid Allegations of Links to AFC/M23
BUJUMBURA – Congolese national Babunga Benjamin Watuna was arrested on May 27 in Bujumbura, Burundi’s economic capital, in an operation carried out by Burundian intelligence services, according to several credible sources. Reports indicate that the arrest is linked to allegations of collaboration with the AFC/M23 rebel movement, at a time when Burundi continues to strengthen security cooperation with the government in Kinshasa.
Sources familiar with the matter say security authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo requested Burundian officials to apprehend Watuna. He is reportedly accused of publishing extensive analyses on Facebook and X that were critical of President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration and the security situation in eastern DRC.
In several parts of eastern Congo, Babunga Benjamin Watuna is regarded by some as an independent analyst respected for his knowledge of the history and security dynamics of the Great Lakes region. Others, however, have accused him of being sympathetic to Rwanda or the M23 movement because of some of his public positions regarding the conflict in eastern Congo.
Prior to his arrest, according to information reported by SOS Médias Burundi, Watuna was involved in humanitarian work. He has worked with several international organizations, including AMI, ADRA, ZOA, Mercy Corps, Save the Children, CARE, and UNOPS.
The Congolese national pursued higher education in Burundi and spent many years living between Bujumbura and Uvira. Sources close to his family say his wife and children currently reside in Belgium.
