Burundi Warns Escalating Republic of Congo Conflict Could Ignite Regional War
Burundi’s president has raised alarms over the intensifying conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that it could lead to a broader regional war.
The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, has gained control of Goma, a key city in eastern DRC, and is advancing southward. This latest offensive adds to the long-standing turmoil in a region that has seen nearly six million lives lost over the past 30 years due to ongoing violence.
“If peace does not return to Eastern Congo, it will be impossible for the entire region to achieve stability,” President Evariste Ndayishimiye stated in a social media post on Saturday. He cautioned that if the conflict persists, it could spread beyond Congo’s borders, noting, “If Rwanda continues its military advancements, I fear that war will inevitably reach Burundi.”
His comments came as the M23 rebel group moved towards the city of Kavumu in South Kivu. Kavumu holds a significant military airfield and is a key defensive position for the Congolese army, situated just 40 kilometers north of Bukavu, the provincial capital.
Burundi has stationed troops in eastern DRC as part of the East African Community force, which is meant to support the Congolese military. However, the force has faced criticism, with allegations from both the DRC and local communities that some of its members have colluded with forces opposed to the DRC government.
