DRC : the Mystery of Burundese Forces’ Presence in Kiliba

The United Nations 's mission in Congo (Monusco), as well as the Burundese and Congolese governments still officially deny the presence of armed Burundese individuals in military uniforms in the eastern region of Congo.  Nevertheless, as noted by RFI, they are in fact, in the Ruzizi plains (south-Kivu)".

La Mission des Nations unies pour le Congo (Monusco) ainsi que les gouvernements burundais et congolais démentent toujours officiellement la présence d'hommes en armes et en uniformes militaires burundais dans l'est du Congo. Et pourtant, ils sont bien là, dans la plaine de la Ruzizi (Sud-Kivu), comme RFI a pu le constater. Selon plusieurs sources, il existerait un accord secret entre Kinshasa et Bujumbura pour permettre à l'armée burundaise de mener des opérations contre des rebelles. Une explication qui ne correspond pas vraiment à la réalité du terrain.

This article is originally translated from French. Click here to read the original from RFI

According to several sources, there is an alleged secret agreement between Kinshasa and Bujumbura put in place to allow the Burundese army to lead military operations against the rebels _ an idea that does not actually align with the daily routine of the field.

Since the beginning of 2014, there has been no occurrence of a joint military operation between the Burundese and the Congolese army.  The rebels, acting as (FNL) National Liberation Forces, are based in the mid-level plateaus of the Uvira area.  Are the Burundese defense forces in the plain of Ruzizi?  Ruzizi is geographically at a lower level, yet, they were still attacked several times in the past months by the Burundese rebels.  However, no violent land operations occurred in retaliation.

"Then, what are the Burundese troops doing on the Congolese territory?" is the question that remains in the minds of observers, including, at FARDC 's forefront, the Congolese army with an insignificant presence in Kiliba and its other localities.  Kiliba, where the unofficial headquarter of the Burundese and Congolese army is based in eastern Congo, is located at the Burundese border.  Despite this strategic location, according to several sources, the Congolese army is ordered not to inspect any Burundese military vehicle and only has a limited access.

Monusco, which also has a limited access, sent several missions on the ground since the beginning of the year.  Numerous Congolese and foreign sources ensure that this limited access, however, does not impede UN's mission and the UN group of experts from accessing all relevant information.  Due to the denial of the Burundese and Congolese government and Monusco's silence, the mystery of Kiliba still remains.

This article was translated by Ismael Koita, Staff Intern with the Africa Program at the Wilson Center.