The withdrawal comes in the wake of M23's capture of Goma in late January and its subsequent takeover of Bukavu, further solidifying the group's presence in eastern Congo.
Sources from the Burundian army and the United Nations confirmed the retreat, with military trucks carrying Burundian troops seen crossing back into the country. "Burundian troops are leaving the DRC. Several trucks filled with soldiers arrived yesterday," a military officer revealed.
Burundi's forces had initially entered eastern Congo to combat Burundian rebel groups but later took on a broader role, joining Congolese forces and allied militias against M23.
Despite reinforcements, Burundian troops struggled against the well-organized rebels and ultimately began their withdrawal after repeated losses.
Burundi was part of a coalition that included the Congolese army, the Wazalendo militia, the FDLR, composed of Rwandan genocidal elements, SADC forces, and European mercenaries.
However, M23's battlefield successes have disrupted these alliances, leaving Kinshasa's strategy in disarray.
The military pact between Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, which saw over 12,000 Burundian troops deployed to North Kivu, has also come under scrutiny.
Reports indicate that Tshisekedi paid Ndayishimiye $2 million for this intervention, sparking discontent among Burundian military officers who questioned the true motives behind the deployment.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations have accused Burundian forces, along with their Congolese allies, of committing atrocities against Congolese Tutsi civilians.
As the conflict escalates, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/burundi-withdraws-troops-as-m23-tightens-grip-on-eastern-drc
