Burundi has started withdrawing its forces from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they had been engaged in battles against M23 rebels.
This development deals a fresh blow to Congo’s army, which is already struggling to contain the rapid advance of the rebels.
Burundi’s Exit and Reports of Rebel Atrocities
The withdrawal comes as the UN human rights office accused M23 rebels of executing children during their offensive, which has led to the capture of eastern Congo’s two largest cities.
A Burundian army officer confirmed the departure, stating,
“Burundian troops are leaving the DRC. Several trucks carrying military personnel have already returned to the country through a border post since yesterday.”
Recent Fighting and Strategic Losses
Burundian troops had joined Congolese forces in defending Kavumu, home to the airport serving Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. However, the city fell to the rebels over the weekend.
Burundi has maintained a military presence in eastern Congo for years, initially to combat Burundian rebel groups but later as part of efforts to fight M23.
The Growing M23 Threat
M23, a well-armed Tutsi-led rebel group, is the latest in a series of insurgent movements operating in Congo’s volatile east.
Meanwhile, Rwanda has denied allegations from Congo, the United Nations, and Western powers that it is providing arms and troops to support the rebels.