Crisis in Burundi Army as 14 Top Officers, Including 9 Colonels, Abandon Service
Tensions continue to mount within the Burundian army as discontent grows over the country’s military involvement in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Though top officials have remained tight-lipped, reports suggest fear and frustration have gripped soldiers since 2023, when President Évariste Ndayishimiye deployed troops to fight the M23 rebel movement.
Following a series of battlefield setbacks—most notably a major defeat in North Kivu’s Masisi territory—hundreds of Burundian soldiers have refused to return to combat. Some deserted altogether, while others were arrested and jailed in Bujumbura and elsewhere on charges of disobeying orders.
Official documents signed by President Ndayishimiye between January 2, 2023 and August 29, 2025, reviewed by local sources, show that more than 30 Burundian officers have deserted over the past two years. The president has since struck their names from the national army register.
The list includes 14 senior officers, nine of them Colonels. Among them are Col. Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver, Lt. Col. Barikore Alexis, Lt. Col. Nindereye Angelus, Lt. Col. Nkurunziza Willy, Lt. Col. Habarugira Diomède, Lt. Col. Ndikumagenge Apollinaire, Lt. Col. Nahimana Daphrose, Lt. Col. Ndayishimiye Jean Baptiste, and Lt. Col. Hatungimana Philbert.
The most recent senior officer to be discharged was Lt. Col. Nindereye Angelus, struck from the rolls on June 11, 2025. Col. Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver had earlier been removed on April 8, 2025. Several Majors have also deserted, including Maj. Nkengurutse Melance, Maj. Nkeshimana Eddy Germain, Maj. Ndizeye Ildephonse, Maj. Ntakabanyura Eric, and Maj. Ntungwanayo Alphonse. In addition, 13 Captains and four Lieutenants have reportedly fled the force.
Despite these challenges, Burundian forces remain deployed in South Kivu, especially around Uvira near the Burundian border, alongside the Congolese army (FARDC), Wazalendo militias, and remnants of the FDLR. They are preparing for fresh clashes with M23, which continues to expand its operations.
On September 14, M23 announced it had integrated more than 7,400 new fighters after a six-month training program at Rumangabo camp in Rutshuru territory. The group, which has captured heavy weaponry from Congolese forces, has also revealed plans to extend its offensive toward major cities, including Kalemie in Tanganyika Province. Rebel leader Gen. Maj. Sultani Makenga has openly declared that taking Uvira is a key step in this strategy.
The prospect of an M23 push toward Uvira has heightened fears in Bujumbura, where Burundian troops are stationed just across the border. Analysts warn that if the Burundian army once again finds itself outgunned and forced to retreat, another wave of desertions could follow, deepening the internal crisis within the force.
With the conflict escalating and the rebels strengthening, Burundi faces the risk of being drawn into a prolonged confrontation that could destabilize its own military and further strain Kinshasa’s already embattled allies.
