In recent days, tensions between Burundi and Rwanda have escalated sharply, following Burundi’s deployment of a large number of troops and heavy weapons near the border between the two countries. This mobilization has unsettled many residents living near the border and raised concerns among international observers monitoring regional security.
Reliable sources from Burundi’s security forces report that a significant number of soldiers have been stationed in Busoni Commune, in Butanyerera Province, near the Gasenyi-Nemba border area.
A senior officer in the Burundian military told SOS Medias, “Heavy weapons have been positioned to prevent anything coming from Rwanda.”
In Busoni, military and police trucks have been transporting troops and weapons to facilities including Camp 411 in Mutwenzi. Patrols in border areas have increased, and members of the youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, Imbonerakure, have become more visible on the streets, especially at night.
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A resident of Munzenze said, “They order us to return home early, before 2 a.m. Nothing is written down, but we all know what it means.” This resident explained that fear pervades border communities, as many believe war could break out at any moment.
These measures are based on Burundi’s belief that Rwanda supports the AFC/M23 coalition, which has made significant advances in South Kivu in recent days. Forces from the DRC, along with Wazalendo and FDLR fighters, lost large portions of the Rusizi Basin, prompting Burundi to feel it must prepare to confront Rwanda.
In Kamanyola, near the Bugarama border with Rwanda, heavy weapons fired by Burundian forces caused confusion among AFC/M23 fighters, prompting them to launch an offensive to capture parts of the Rusizi Basin, extending to the city of Uvira on Lake Tanganyika.
Sources at Mukoni military base in Buhumuza Province report that in the past two weeks, 30 trucks delivering heavy weapons were offloaded over a three-day period. Burundi has also purchased large quantities of heavy arms and combat drones, signaling preparations for a major conflict.
This show of force near the border has not only prompted residents to return home early but also disrupted normal activities in the area. Locals say they now remain ready to flee at any sign of fighting, often wearing basic clothing that allows them to evacuate quickly.
Security analysts in the region warn that this move could have serious implications for the security of both countries. Deploying troops and heavy weapons near the Rwandan border could spark a regional crisis, particularly as tensions among the DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda continue to rise.
As both countries demonstrate military strength near the border, residents on both sides live in fear, uncertain when tensions could erupt into conflict. “We sleep in our clothes, ready to flee if shooting starts,” one resident said.
Regional analysts say Burundi’s actions are intended to demonstrate strength and counter the advances of the AFC/M23 coalition, but they could also escalate into a direct conflict between the two nations. The United Nations and international partners continue to closely monitor developments, urging both sides to pursue dialogue rather than military action.
The deployment of Burundian troops and heavy weapons near the Rwandan border has caused fear and anxiety among border communities. Tensions between the two countries remain high, and analysts emphasize the urgent need for dialogue to prevent a conflict that could spread across the region.
