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Defense minister’s visit to Uvira : between promises of support and tensions on the ground

Uvira, April 7, 2025 – Congolese Defense Minister Guy Kabombo visited the city of Uvira on Monday, in South Kivu province, on the border between the DRC and Burundi. This official visit, made after a stay in Burundi, aimed to assess the security situation in the region and strengthen collaboration with local forces.

Info SOS Médias Burundi

Warmly welcomed at the Kavimvira border by a crowd composed of members of the Wazalendo—the local militias supported by the Congolese authorities—FARDC soldiers, civil society representatives, activists from the ruling UDPS party, and military wives, the Minister was accompanied by Lieutenant General Padiri Bulenda, the national coordinator of the Wazalendo, and a delegation from the Burundian army.

Strengthened regional engagement

During his speech, Minister Kabombo praised the commitment of the Burundian army, the Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB), which has deployed nearly 10,000 soldiers in the DRC. These troops operate alongside the FARDC and their allies, the Wazalendo, in the fight against the M23 rebels. This military cooperation is presented as a strategic pillar of the regional security posture in the face of the ongoing instability in eastern DRC.

Tensions on the ground

But the visit was not without its tensions. Several members of the Wazalendo expressed frustration with what they saw as the Congolese army’s passivity in the war against the M23. Criticism particularly targeted the FARDC’s « strategic withdrawals, » which were seen as a form of military retreat.

Representatives of the Burundian and Congolese armies in a meeting room with Congolese Defense Minister Guy Kabombo, April 7, 2025

Concerns rose when fighters denounced the Burundian army’s alleged ban on attacking M23 posts in Kamanyola. The minister responded that these restrictions were intended to prevent uncoordinated actions that could compromise joint operations, while reaffirming the Congolese government’s confidence in the FDNB.

Lack of resources and internal conflicts

The Wazalendo also denounced a glaring lack of logistical and communications resources: a lack of radios, vehicles, and material support. Minister Kabombo acknowledged these shortcomings and promised rapid capacity building.

The meeting also highlighted internal tensions between the Wazalendo, the FARDC, and the civilian population. Abuses were reported, including illegal tax collection at the Kavimvira checkpoints, the Kalundu port, and along major roads.

Toward strengthened military coordination

Before leaving Uvira, the Minister promised concrete measures to improve coordination between forces on the ground. He then continued his trip to Burundi, where he is scheduled to meet with the Burundian army high command on Tuesday, April 8, to discuss a joint strategy and strengthen military cooperation against armed groups active in the region.

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Congolese Defense Minister Guy Kabombo in Uvira, April 7, 2025