The M23 rebel group has issued a formal demand for the immediate withdrawal of Burundian forces from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
The demand, announced on February 15, 2025, follows M23’s rapid advance into the city, where they have already seized key areas, including the airport in nearby Kavumu, and are now consolidating control over strategic zones.
The rebel group, backed by Rwanda, specifically called for Burundian troops to vacate areas such as Nkomo, Nyangezi, and the Ruzizi Plain, accusing them of supporting the DRC military (FARDC) in what M23 describes as an unlawful occupation of Congolese territory.
Burundi has maintained a significant military presence in eastern DRC, with thousands of troops deployed under bilateral agreements to assist the FARDC in combating various armed groups, including M23. Recent reports suggest that up to 10,000 Burundian soldiers are stationed in South Kivu, making them a critical component of the DRC’s defense strategy against M23’s southward push from Goma, which they captured last month. M23’s demand comes amid heightened tensions,
with the rebels alleging that Burundian forces are complicit in attacks on civilian populations and are obstructing their “liberation” efforts. The group’s spokesperson has warned of further military action if their demands are not met, raising fears of direct clashes between M23 and Burundian troops in Bukavu.
The situation has drawn sharp international concern, with analysts warning that a confrontation in Bukavu could precipitate a broader regional conflict, especially given the involvement of foreign armies, including Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 and Burundi’s backing of the DRC. The United Nations and regional bodies have called for de-escalation, but diplomatic efforts have so far failed to halt M23’s advance.
The DRC government has condemned M23’s demands as an affront to its sovereignty, accusing the rebels of acting as proxies for Rwanda’s regional ambitions. As the standoff continues, the presence of Burundian forces remains a flashpoint, with the potential to either deter M23’s consolidation of power in Bukavu or ignite a new phase of conflict with far-reaching consequences for the region.