Dozens of Burundian troops have been detained for refusing to be deployed to eastern Congo in the fight against the M23 rebel group as it advances toward a major border city. The soldiers are being held in at least four prisons across Burundi.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye acknowledged the presence of Burundian troops in eastern Congo under a defense pact with Congolese authorities. He emphasized the importance of helping neighbors in times of crisis.
Tensions in the Great Lakes region have escalated as Rwanda, Burundi, and Congo trade accusations over support for rebel groups. President Felix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of supporting M23, while Burundi accuses Rwanda of backing the RED-Tabara rebel group.
Burundi recently suspended diplomatic relations with Rwanda and closed their border in response to alleged support for RED-Tabara. The exact number of Burundian troops deployed to eastern Congo remains undisclosed.
Reports indicate that over 200 soldiers have been detained for refusing deployment or for alleged misconduct. Some soldiers face charges of stealing war funds. Many soldiers have been imprisoned for refusing to fight alongside the Congolese army against M23.
Washington has called for de-escalation in eastern Congo, where M23 is one of many armed groups vying for control of the region's resources. M23 fighters, including Congolese Tutsis, were once part of Congo's army and claim to protect local Tutsis from extremist groups.
Rwandan authorities have rejected calls to withdraw troops from Congolese territory, citing concerns over armed groups like M23. The situation remains complex and volatile in the region.
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