Burundian soldiers are currently stationed in the high mountains of Mulenge, where they went to assist the army of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in fighting the Twirwaneho and M23. However, they have been seen participating in activities similar to those of President Félix Tshisekedi’s regime, aimed at exterminating the Banyamulenge people.
This is contained in a written testimony we received from one of the residents of Minembwe center, who described the extreme cruelty that Burundian soldiers are inflicting upon civilians living in the Mulenge region of South Kivu.
According to the testimony of a resident named Munyamahoro Olivier, he said:
“The people of Minembwe are deeply saddened by the terrible acts they continue to face, which have brought devastating consequences of war.”
He added:
“Yesterday, on Saturday, when residents were trying to find basic necessities for their daily lives—which was already very difficult due to restrictions everywhere—the Burundian soldiers blocked them and prevented them from opening the Mitamba market.”
This market is the only place where they can buy soap, salt, cooking oil, sugar, and kerosene.
Munyamahoro Olivier continued, saying that what shocked them most was to see Burundian troops involved in Tshisekedi’s government plan to wipe out the Banyamulenge.
He said:
“It is shocking to see Burundian soldiers joining Tshisekedi’s plan to continue torturing the civilian population—children, women, elderly men and women, and young people alike.”
He also stated that the actions being carried out by the Burundian army amount to war crimes, which are punishable under international humanitarian law.
Munyamahoro appealed that these troops should act with restraint to avoid endangering the lives of civilians who are already in a state of great danger.
In addition, he said that the Burundian soldiers have also committed another shameful act by collaborating with Mai Mai militias, gathering them in the Mikarati area. He noted that they are deploying them to commit atrocities against Banyamulenge civilians traveling from or toward the Bijombo region on their way to Minembwe.
Among the abuses reported are looting and the rape of women and girls.
As he further explained, on Saturday, some civilians were robbed of their phones, money, and other valuable itemswhile passing through Mikarati.
“The Mai Mai looted Banyamulenge people traveling toward Bijombo yesterday, Saturday, when they reached the Mikarati area, which is controlled by Burundian troops. The looting was carried out with the permission of those Burundian soldiers.”
The international community, regional organizations, and human rights defenders must not remain silent in the face of these atrocities. Sustained attention, documentation, and advocacy are essential to prevent further suffering and to uphold the principles of justice, dignity, and the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of Congo
