More than 500 Burundian troops reportedly desert amid Eastern DRC Fighting

More than 500 soldiers of the Burundian National Defence Forces (FDNB) have reportedly deserted the army after returning from a deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they had been sent to fight fighters of the AFC/M23 group.

The information was confirmed by a senior FDNB officer during a discussion with Burundian human rights activist Pacifique Nininahazwe.

According to the officer, when Burundian troops were withdrawn from the DRC in December, many soldiers were granted leave to visit their families. However, a large number failed to return to their units. Others, particularly those holding passports, reportedly left the country altogether.

 “Some are in neighboring countries, while others have reached Dubai. The number of soldiers who did not return exceeds 500.” officer said.

Sources say the Burundian military has since taken measures to track down the deserters. These include deploying soldiers in civilian clothing at border crossings and at Bujumbura International Airport to identify and arrest suspected deserters or their relatives.

In addition, the army has reportedly provided local administrative leaders across the country with a list of the names of the deserters, instructing them to immediately arrest any soldier found.