Burundian authorities have begun withdrawing their troops from Bukavu, a city under rebel control in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to multiple sources, including a Burundian army officer and two United Nations officials.
The development, which took place on Tuesday, comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and growing concerns about the potential for broader conflict.
Burundi’s Military Withdrawal Confirmed
A Burundian military officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the troop withdrawal, stating, “The Burundian troops are withdrawing from the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
The officer added that “a number of trucks filled with military arrived in the country since yesterday,” indicating a systematic movement of forces back into Burundi.
This withdrawal signals a significant shift in the security dynamics of the eastern DRC, where multiple armed groups have long operated, leading to chronic instability and violence.
Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, is a strategic city that has witnessed repeated clashes between Congolese government forces and various rebel factions.
Diplomatic Concerns Over Regional Stability
The reports of Burundi’s military pullout emerged shortly after Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye issued a stark warning about the conflict’s potential to escalate into a full-scale regional war.
Speaking on national television six days earlier, Ndayishimiye cautioned that the situation in the DRC was worsening and posed a serious threat to neighboring countries.
On Monday, the Burundian government released a statement detailing a meeting between Ndayishimiye and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres over the weekend.
The two leaders expressed deep concerns about the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC, which the statement described as “a situation that is getting worse and worse and that could spread to the entire region, probably starting with the countries that border the DRC.”
Burundi has long played a role in regional security efforts, particularly in addressing the threat posed by armed groups operating along its border with the DRC.
Its troop deployment was seen as part of a broader strategy to counter rebel movements, including groups linked to the March 23 Movement (M23) and other militias that have destabilized eastern Congo for years.
Call for International Intervention
In light of the worsening conflict, Ndayishimiye called for urgent international intervention to dismantle armed groups in the DRC.
He urged global and regional actors to take decisive action, stating, “The international community must work to dismantle all negative foreign forces present on Congolese soil, so that the population can find peace and security.”
Burundi’s decision to withdraw troops raises questions about the effectiveness of regional military interventions and whether this move will lead to further instability or prompt diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
The security situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with ongoing clashes between government forces and various armed groups, including the M23 rebels, who have made significant territorial gains in recent months.
Regional Implications and Uncertain Future
The withdrawal of Burundian troops may have far-reaching implications for the conflict in the DRC. If other regional players follow suit, it could create a power vacuum that emboldens rebel groups.
Alternatively, it may signal a shift toward diplomatic solutions, with regional leaders reassessing their military involvement in eastern Congo.
The situation remains fluid, and with tensions escalating, the international community will be closely watching the next steps taken by Burundi, the DRC, and neighboring countries.
The risk of a broader regional conflict looms, making it crucial for diplomatic efforts to intensify in order to prevent further escalation and humanitarian crises.
Burundi’s troop withdrawal from Bukavu underscores the fragility of the security situation in the eastern DRC and raises pressing questions about the future of regional stability.
While Ndayishimiye’s warnings highlight the risk of the conflict spilling over into neighboring states, his calls for international intervention suggest that Burundi still seeks a role in shaping the outcome of the crisis.
Whether this withdrawal marks a shift toward peace efforts or merely a tactical redeployment remains to be seen.
For now, eastern DRC remains a flashpoint, with the potential to trigger wider instability in Central Africa if decisive and coordinated action is not taken.