Bijombo: Burundian soldiers jointly with FARDC and the FDLR accused of robbing civilians returning from the market
Reliable information received by Minembwe Capital News confirms that Burundian soldiers operating on Congolese soil, together with FARDC forces and armed groups including the FDLR and Wazalendo, robbed civilians in the Ndondo area of Bijombo in Uvira Territory as they were returning from the Kazirimwe market.
According to local residents, all the roads leading to and from the market had been closed by these forces on Monday, reportedly as part of securing the Mitamba market area. But after the market ended, things changed.
One resident said:
“People returning from the market found Burundian soldiers and FARDC waiting for them on the road, and they began looting their belongings, including shoes, phones, clothes, and even livestock.”
Residents from Murambya, Mugeti, Kiziba, and surrounding areas were the most affected. It is reported that no one was injured or killed, but those who experienced the incident said they returned home distressed and stripped of their property.
Additionally, because the market has recently been marked by insecurity due to Wazalendo attacks on Banyamulenge civilians, traders coming from Uvira had already become fewer.
As of now, no response has been issued by either the military or political authorities of the DRC or Burundi regarding these allegations.