The proximity between Bujumbura and eastern DRC areas, such as the city of Uvira, allows for transport via Lake Tanganyika crossings or northern road routes.
Since 2023, Burundian and DRC forces have been jointly combating the M23 rebel group. Beyond receiving arms, these forces have undergone training to help reclaim territories lost in North and South Kivu provinces.
The fighting intensified in January and February 2025, forcing DRC and Burundian troops to retreat from strategic towns, including Goma and Bukavu, relocating to Uvira and surrounding areas.
In March 2025, President Évariste Ndayishimiye launched a four-month military training exercise at Mabanda, Mwaro, Bururi, and Mutukura, preparing 10,000 soldiers for deployment to eastern DRC.
According to Africa Intelligence, cargo planes carrying rockets and ammunition from Sudan and Tripoli, Libya, have been landing at Bujumbura Airport for months, with the supplies then offloaded and transported by truck to Uvira under the cover of night.
The DRC government also mobilised aircraft, including Serve Air planes owned by Indian businessman Harish Jagtani, and five from Mont Gabaon operated by Elie Akilimali Joseph, to transport military equipment and food from Kinshasa to Bujumbura, before onward delivery to Uvira.
Two Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft from Baku landed at Bujumbura Airport in April and August 2025, carrying heavy and light weaponry, including RPG-7s and 7.62mm machine guns. These shipments followed a procurement agreement signed in September 2024 between Burundi's government and Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence.
On September 1, 2025, another Ilyushin Il-76 delivered additional heavy weapons and ammunition for DRC forces, which were then dispatched to South Kivu to support operations against M23.
As the conflict drags on, Bujumbura's role as a logistical hub highlights Burundi's direct involvement in supplying arms and military support to the fight against M23, raising serious concerns about the country's responsibility in prolonging instability in eastern DRC.
IGIHE
