Clashes erupted in Kibira, Burundi between the Burundian National Defense Force and the FDLR, following the militia’s attempts to secure food from local residents. Reports suggest a change in the Burundian army’s approach towards the FDLR, which has long aligned with the Congolese government against M23 rebels. The conflicts arise during renewed diplomatic efforts between Rwanda and Burundi amidst concerns over the FDLR’s regional presence.
Recent reports indicate confrontations between the Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB) and the FDLR, alongside the Imbonerakure militia, taking place in Kibira, located in the Bukinanyana Commune of north-western Burundi. These conflicts occurred from March 11 to 13, initiated by the FDLR’s alleged attempt to procure food from locals in Butahana, a region reportedly sheltering the militia with support from certain government and military officials, including provisions of weapons.
Sources suggest a shift in the Burundian army’s stance toward the FDLR, a group previously associated with the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The army appears to be taking measures to compel the FDLR to vacate its territory and return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Notably, numerous Burundian troops have been cooperating with the FDLR within a coalition allied with the Congolese government against the AFC/M23 rebels in the eastern region of DR Congo.
The FDLR, classified as a UN-designated terrorist organization, comprises remnants of the individuals involved in the 1994 genocide and has a history of collaboration with both Burundian and Congolese forces. This issue remains a significant concern for Rwanda, which perceives such alliances as detrimental to the stability of regional security. The reported clashes arise during a period when diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Burundi are undergoing rehabilitation after being strained by Burundi’s past alignment with the DR Congo’s regime change initiatives, involving threats posed by the FDLR.
The clashes between the Burundian military and the FDLR in Kibira underscore a complex situation where alliances within the region are evolving. The Burundian army’s apparent shift towards confronting the FDLR reflects the broader implications for regional security and diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Burundi. As these developments unfold, the historical context of the FDLR and its complicated relationship with Burundian forces will be critical in shaping future dynamics in the Great Lakes region.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
