Burundi has officially welcomed fighters from the FDLR rebel group, as tensions rise with Rwanda following recent developments in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The move comes after the AFC/M23 coalition advanced rapidly, capturing key territories in the Rusizi Basin, including the city of Uvira.
Between December 7 and 10, 2025, hundreds of FDLR fighters crossed into Burundi alongside roughly 20,000 soldiers from the DRC army (FARDC) and the Wazalendo alliance. Most entered via the Rusizi River bridge, the natural border between Burundi and DRC, before being gathered at temporary camps in Cishemere, Kansega, and the Buganda football stadium.
At Buganda, the Burundi army provided food and support for about 1,600 FARDC and FDLR fighters, while over 400 Wazalendo troops reportedly did not receive the same assistance. Analysts say this reflects Burundi’s long-standing cooperation with FDLR and FARDC.
Reports from SOS Medias indicate that Burundi is preparing a larger camp further from the border to host FDLR, FARDC, and Wazalendo fighters, awaiting support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC plays a critical role in managing humanitarian issues in conflict zones, including prisoner exchanges and safe transport of combatants back to DRC.
📰 Also Read This:
While FARDC and Wazalendo fighters could eventually return to Kinshasa or other government-controlled areas, the status of FDLR fighters, many of whom are Rwandan, remains uncertain. Observers are closely watching whether Burundi will keep them, treat them as refugees, or allow repatriation to Rwanda.
Burundi has maintained a complex relationship with FDLR for years. A United Nations report from 2009 documented that weapons used by FDLR were routed through Burundi via Uvira and Fizi. Reports suggest that Burundi purchased rifles in Malaysia in 2008, intended for its police force, which were later diverted to FDLR in exchange for minerals.
Since CNDD-FDD came to power in 2005, Burundi has reportedly provided safe havens for FDLR fighters. Hundreds were hosted in Bujumbura before being sent to fight in eastern DRC. During campaigns like Kimia II in 2009, FDLR fighters fleeing clashes also found refuge in Burundi.
High-ranking Burundian officials, including the late Gen. Adolphe Nshimirimana and other senior officers, reportedly coordinated closely with FDLR commanders, providing medical aid, equipment, and strategic support. Agricole Ntirampeba, now Burundi’s ambassador to DRC, confirmed historical collaboration with FDLR commanders.
In 2015, Burundi reportedly relied on FDLR fighters to secure the capital during political unrest, highlighting the depth of their operational ties. Since 2022, following the deterioration of Burundi-Rwanda relations, the government has further strengthened connections with FDLR and FLN, aligning them to regional strategic interests.
Burundi deployed troops to eastern DRC starting in 2022, reportedly coordinating with FDLR in Masisi and other areas. The collaboration is partly motivated by local political and economic interests, as well as historical tensions between communities.
As M23 forces advanced, expelling Burundian troops from parts of northern and southern Kivu, FDLR, FARDC, and Wazalendo fighters may become central to a planned counter-offensive. This partnership blurs the line between refugees and active combatants, with FDLR fighters in Burundi potentially taking part in military operations against M23.
Civilians along the Rusizi border and surrounding areas are living under high tension. Trade routes are disrupted, markets struggle to operate, and daily life remains uncertain. Security analysts warn that FDLR’s involvement could further complicate relations between Burundi, Rwanda, and DRC, increasing the risk of a regional crisis.
Burundi’s hosting of FDLR fighters underscores the country’s determination to protect national interests and respond to regional instability. The international community, particularly the UN and ICRC, continues to monitor the situation closely due to its potential impact on regional peace and humanitarian conditions.
The presence of FDLR fighters in Burundi signals a new phase in the Great Lakes region’s ongoing conflicts. With cross-border tensions rising, both civilian populations and neighboring countries face heightened uncertainty. Observers stress the need for careful diplomacy, humanitarian support, and close monitoring to prevent escalation into a wider regional conflict.
