Burundi battalion commander seriously wounded in clashes with M23
The commander of the Burundian army’s 18th battalion fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lt. Col. Manirakiza Patrice, was injured in clashes between the forces he leads and fighters from the AFC/M23 rebel movement.
Lt. Col. Manirakiza was wounded during fighting that took place in the Luvungi area of South Kivu Province on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
M23 has taken control of this area located in Uvira Territory, South Kivu, after expelling three Burundian army battalions (the 9th, 12th and 18th), troops from the FARDC, as well as Wazalendo militia fighters.
Reports indicate that after being seriously wounded in combat, Lt. Col. Manirakiza was urgently evacuated to Bujumbura, and he is currently receiving treatment at Tanganyika Care Hospital where he is said to be in critical condition.
Reports further state that the officer sustained severe injuries to his kidneys, abdomen and legs after being hit by a bomb.
It is also reported that during the fighting in Luvungi, Burundian troops received reinforcement from two battalions coming from the cities of Kalemie and Kindu, as well as from other forces sent from Bujumbura and Uvira, but the effort was unsuccessful.
In addition to Luvungi, information indicates that on Saturday Burundian forces were once again pushed out of the Kasika area, which they had recently returned to, forcing them to retreat to the town of Mwenga.
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