M23 Rebels declares capture of Burundian soldiers in DR Congo
Burundi has maintained a military presence in eastern Congo for several years to assist Kinshasa in its campaign against armed groups.
Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for AFC/M23, stated that the group is “ready to hand over to the government of Burundi military personnel captured on the battlefield.” Meanwhile, Busu Bwa Ngwi, the M23-appointed governor of South Kivu, warned Burundian troops and other foreign forces to “return to their countries immediately,” asserting the rebels’ intention to “reclaim all provinces.”
The alleged capture follows M23’s recent seizure of Uvira, a strategic city on Lake Tanganyika near the Burundi border. The DR Congo government reported that more than 100 people have been killed and thousands displaced amid the offensive, which it claims was supported by Rwanda’s Defense Forces.
The clashes continue despite an accord signed earlier this month in Washington by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, aimed at easing tensions and halting violence in eastern DR Congo. US President Donald Trump, who mediated the deal, hailed it as a “historic” step toward ending decades of armed conflict in the region.
Congolese officials have accused Rwanda of violating the agreement by failing to curb actions that destabilize eastern Congo. Kigali denies these allegations, attributing the escalation to attacks by the Congolese army and Burundian allies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned Rwanda’s actions as a “clear violation of the Washington Accords” and pledged measures to ensure adherence to the deal.
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