Since 2023, Burundi has deployed more than 10,000 troops in eastern DRC, alongside Imbonerakure militia fighters, to support the Kinshasa government in its war against AFC/M23.

Those forces have played a significant role in the heavy fighting that has been raging for a week across several areas of South Kivu Province.

Since the clashes began on Monday, AFC/M23 commanders have repeatedly accused Burundian troops of using heavy weapons to fire into highly populated civilian areas, resulting in deaths, injuries, and the destruction of infrastructure including schools, health centres and civilian homes.

By Thursday 4 December, at least 23 people had been confirmed dead since the attacks began on Monday.

In a statement issued on Saturday 6 December, AFC/M23 said it had no intention of seizing any territory or pursuing “any objective whatsoever against the state of Burundi,” even as Bujumbura continues “to destabilise regional security and play a direct role in undermining peace in eastern Congo.”

AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the entire world now witnesses the destruction being caused by shells fired from Burundian territory, including damage to roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, civilian homes and churches.

He said cross-border shelling from outside the DRC is terrorising civilians, inflicting harm and forcing thousands of people to abandon their homes.

AFC/M23 again demanded that Burundi withdraw its forces, saying: “AFC/M23 once again requests that Burundian forces be withdrawn immediately and without conditions from the ‘Grand Kivu’ region and all other parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo where they are deployed. Their continued presence constitutes a grave and unlawful threat to the security of the DRC.”

The movement also urged civilians to remain calm and continue their normal activities without fear, assuring them that it remains committed to protecting them against any danger from any direction.