Burundi blames M23 rebels for cross-border bombing
The alleged attack struck areas in Cibitoke province along the DR Congo border, with local media reporting that several civilians, including children, were injured when two projectiles landed near a market in Rugombo. The exact number of casualties has not been confirmed.
Burundi’s Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana said on social media: “The terrorists of the AFC/M23, supported by Rwanda, dropped a bomb on Burundian territory on [Thursday]. Such provocation is unacceptable, and appropriate actions will be taken to protect the Burundian population.”
The rebel Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes M23, countered by claiming that Burundi had carried out cross-border attacks in recent days. AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka alleged that bombs had fallen “continuously” from Burundian territory into eastern DR Congo for over three days, targeting villages. He added: “Burundi should focus on improving the living conditions of its people.”
The accusations come shortly after Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed a peace agreement in Washington, facilitated by US leadership.
The accord reinforces commitments made under a preliminary US- and Qatar-mediated deal in June.
Kinshasa has long accused Rwanda of supporting M23 and profiting from illegal mining operations in eastern DR Congo, allegations Kigali denies.
Burundi had previously withdrawn its forces from eastern DR Congo in February, after collaborating with Congolese troops against M23. Fighting in the region intensified in early 2025, with M23 capturing towns such as Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu, resulting in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of displaced civilians.
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