Burundi accused of sending troops into South Kivu
The MRDP-Twirwaneho rebel group has accused the government of Burundi of deploying two battalions of its army into the mountains of Fizi, Mwenga, and Uvira in South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The group’s coordinator, Col. Ndakize Welcome Kamasa, said that Burundian troops, alongside the FARDC, Mai-Mai, and FDLR fighters, continue to commit atrocities against civilians.
According to Col. Kamasa, the two battalions of the Burundian army (FDNB), together with the FARDC, joined other forces stationed at a location known as Point Zero, the main gateway leading to Minembwe.
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He added that these troops found more than ten Burundian battalions already deployed in those mountains, from where they have been launching multiple attacks since the beginning of last week.
All those soldiers, deployed to the highlands by Presidents Ndayishimiye of Burundi and Tshisekedi of the DRC, are reportedly under the command of Brig. Gen. Amuli Chiviri, who leads Operation Sokola II in South Kivu.
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The coalition’s attacks have allegedly claimed the lives of many civilians and forced thousands of people to flee the area, according to Col. Kamasa.
MRDP-Twirwaneho claims that Burundian troops in those areas are commanded by Brig. Gen. Pontien Hakizimana, Brig. Gen. Michel Ndenzako, Brig. Gen. Jean Luc Habarugira, and Brig. Gen. Désiré Manirakiza.
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The group says the reinforcement of Burundian troops in the highlands is clear evidence of military cooperation aimed at exterminating the Banyamulenge community.
Recently, residents of Minembwe including the Banyamulenge, Babembe, Bapfuu, Bashi, and other ethnic groups from the Mwenga, Fizi, and Uvira zones staged protests accusing Burundian troops of starving Banyamulenge civilians.
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The demonstration, held on November 4, 2025, was attended by human rights organizations, local residents, traditional chiefs, and women’s representatives.
Protesters denounced that Burundian forces and their allies have occupied areas where essential goods such as medicine, salt, sugar, and soap are sourced, leaving civilians without basic necessities.
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Col. Kamasa said there is no such thing as a “small war” or a “minor enemy,” emphasizing that their movement’s priority is to protect civilians, and he appealed to the international community to intervene, saying it is heartbreaking to see people being killed while the world remains silent.
