Burundian soldiers, numbering in the hundreds, have once again arrived in Bibogobogo in the Fizi territory after three weeks since other Burundian soldiers had left this area.
Bibogobogo is a region located in the mountainous area near the city of Baraka, primarily inhabited by Banyamulenge, although there are also other ethnic groups living there, such as the Pfulero and a few Babembe and Banyindu.
In mid-March, Burundian soldiers withdrew from the Bibogobogo area and descended south to Baraka, while some of them headed towards Uvira.
This occurred when they arrived in the area, where Wazalendo had recently launched attacks, targeting the Banyamulenge at the beginning of last month.
Upon arrival, these Burundian soldiers informed the Banyamulenge that they had come to assist them, also stating that they must distance themselves from Twirwaneho and M23.
It did not take long for these soldiers to leave this area, which is inhabited by Wazalendo, but they also exited at the beginning of this week.
Except for the group led by Colonel Ntagawa Rubaba, which has been in that area since October last year, 2024.
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, around evening time, many Burundian soldiers were reported to have gathered in Bibogobogo, where it is said that they could number around two hundred soldiers.
A person who provided this information to Minembwe Capital News stated that he witnessed it himself and confirmed that there were many.
He said: “Right now in the evening, the Burundian troops are settling here in Bibogobogo. There are many, and they are about 200.”
He also mentioned that these soldiers came to stay in the camps of the FARDC forces that recently left for Baraka and elsewhere.
He said: “They have came to stay in the camps of the Congolese army that recently left here in Bibogobogo.”
As soon as these soldiers arrived in Bibogobogo, some were taken to the camps where Congolese soldiers were, including one near Ugeafi, near Gipimo close to the Magaja road, and others were taken to Kavumu, including others taken to the Bibogobogo center which includes the base of Colonel Ntagawa.
There are reports that these Burundian troops brought heavy military equipment including heavy weapons, although Minembwe Capital News could not determine their types.
These troops arrived in Bibogobogo at a time when there had been information for over two days that Wazalendo might be preparing to launch attacks in this area.
Wazalendo launches attacks in Bibogobogo coming from the Mutambara area which is usually inhabited by the Abamembe. They do not only come from there, as there are times they come from other areas in the Fizi territory.
