Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has levelled serious allegations against Rwanda, claiming Kigali is providing military support to the AFC/M23 rebel group in eastern DR Congo and attempting to “seize control of the region,” despite having signed recent peace agreements.
Speaking to the media, Minister Edouard Bizimana alleged that Rwanda sent military trucks into DR Congo ahead of the peace accord, reportedly moving through Idjwi Island to support AFC/M23 fighters. He further claimed that these forces attacked Burundian troops fighting alongside the Congolese army (FARDC) and Wazalendo militias.
According to Bizimana, AFC/M23—whom he repeatedly referred to as “Rwanda”—aimed to capture Luvungi and Uvira before the final signing of the Washington Accords.
Burundi says it has received a rising number of refugees fleeing intensified fighting in the DRC, including Congolese civilians and Burundians previously living there. Bizimana noted that these arrivals add to the more than 100,000 refugees already in Burundi, stressing that humanitarian agencies have yet to provide sufficient assistance.
He accused Rwanda of “trying to convince the international community that Burundi is the obstacle to the peace deal,” arguing that Burundi was not the source of delays. Bizimana also claimed that Burundian forces had come under shelling as Rwanda-backed fighters attempted to seize Uvira, adding that clashes remain ongoing as rebels allegedly pursue the same objective before December 25.
The minister insisted that Burundian troops will not withdraw from Congolese territory, stating they are there legally under regional security agreements, and would only leave at the request of the Congolese government.
Bizimana also stated that, despite tensions, “channels of communication with Rwanda still exist,” noting that security institutions in both countries maintain contact. He accused Rwanda of firing shells into Burundi’s Cibitoke Province, injuring two civilians.
He warned that any threat to Burundi’s security or its troops in DRC “will not be tolerated,” saying:
“We do not want war. We want good relations with neighbours. But anyone who provokes us will be met with resistance.”
The accusations come as Rwanda continues to deny any involvement with AFC/M23 and reiterates its support for the Doha dialogue between the group and the Congolese government.
AFC/M23 has also blamed Burundi for attacks launched from its territory into rebel-controlled areas around Kamanyola, accusations Bujumbura denies.
Rebel forces have been escalating pressure on the joint Burundian–Congolese military positions, with battles reported increasingly closer to the city of Uvira.
As of now, Rwanda has not issued any official response to Burundi’s latest allegations.