During a press briefing on January 16, 2025, Brigadier General Baratuza acknowledged the losses, stating: 'Death is possible because they are not exchanging flowers at war. That is what they signed up for. Even in a bathroom, one can slip and fall to their death. On the battlefield, we say they have fallen with honor.'
The statement came in response to reports of heavy casualties during clashes with the M23 rebel group in Ngungu, Masisi Territory, on January 14.
Allegations have surfaced accusing the Burundian government of concealing information about the fatalities, reportedly transporting bodies to hospital morgues in Bujumbura under secrecy before burial.
While some reports suggest that around 200 Burundian soldiers were killed in Ngungu, Brigadier General Baratuza characterized these figures as exaggerated.
The M23 rebel group has previously shown captured Burundian soldiers in their custody, with some pleading for international assistance to return home.
However, in December 2023, Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye denied these claims, stating that the individuals in question were not Burundian soldiers but members of the RED Tabara rebel group.
This statement drew criticism, with families of the captured soldiers confirming their identities as members of the Burundian national army.
Burundian troops have been deployed in North Kivu province since November 2023 under an agreement signed between the Burundian and DRC governments in August the same year.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/burundi-confirms-soldier-losses-in-drc-clashes
