SOS Médias Burundi

At least 17 Burundian soldiers fighting alongside the FARDC were killed during violent fighting against the Twirwaneho rebels in Fizi territory, South Kivu province, eastern Congo. The Burundian army, active in eastern DRC, is paying a heavy price in this complex regional conflict.

Uvira, April 15, 2025—Intense fighting took place on Saturday, April 12, between Burundian forces allied to the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) and the Mai-Mai Biloze Bishambuke and fighters from the Twirwaneho armed group in the towns of Rugezi and Kabanju, Fizi territory, South Kivu province. According to a Twirwaneho fighter contacted by SOS Médias Burundi, at least 17 Burundian soldiers were killed in the fighting.

« Many Burundian soldiers died in the combat. We captured one of them, along with their radios and rifles, » said the fighter, on condition of anonymity.

Local sources say several Burundian soldiers were seen in Baraka town, preparing to return to Burundi through the Tanganyika Lake. Some of the killed soldiers are believed to have come from the Babengwa village, where they were operating alongside the Mai-Mai Yakutumba.

A military presence justified by the fight against rebel groups

Officially present since mid-August 2022 in the east of the vast Central African country, the Burundian army justifies its presence by the fight against Burundian armed groups active in the region, notably RED-Tabara. This rebel organization, based primarily in South Kivu, is seen by Gitega as a direct threat to its national security.

President Évariste Ndayishimiye has publicly defended this military engagement on several occasions. In a 2023 speech in Gitega, he declared:
« Burundi cannot stand idly by while armed groups terrorize our people from the forests of eastern Congo. We have the right to defend ourselves, even beyond our borders. »

More recently, in February 2024, he reaffirmed to the state’s constituent bodies:
« Our soldiers are in Congo to hunt down criminals who are destabilizing our country. This is a regional security operation. »

Mounting losses in a complex conflict

Over the months, the role of the Burundian army has expanded, going beyond the fight against RED-Tabara. It has gradually engaged alongside the FARDC and local militias against other armed groups, notably the M23 and Twirwaneho. Fighters from the latter recently took control of the former Mai-Mai Biloze Bishambuke base in Rugezi, a strategic site used by regular forces to launch offensives toward Minembwe, in an area predominantly inhabited by the Banyamulenge.

The losses of April 12, represent one of the heaviest casualties recorded by the Burundian army since the beginning of its involvement in the DRC. Unofficial sources report dozens of soldiers killed over the months, in operations often conducted in mountainous and difficult-to-access areas.

Civilians on the run, a new offensive in preparation

The fighting has led to the massive displacement of civilians, mainly from the Bafulero community, to the towns of Mukela, Milimba, and Kitchula. Furthermore, local sources report that the Mai-Mai Biloze Bishambuke, led by Chief Ngomanzito, have also suffered losses against the Twirwaneho rebels.

While clashes continue in Rugezi and Kabanju, reports indicate that a new offensive by the FARDC-Burundian army-Mai-Mai coalition is being prepared against the Twirwaneho positions in Kahololo, in Uvira territory. This information was relayed in a statement issued by the rebel group.

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Elements of the Burundian army at Goma airport, March 6, 2023