Burundian Troops Killed in Renewed Clashes With M23 in Eastern DR Congo

Burundian Troops Killed in Renewed Clashes With M23 in Eastern DR Congo
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At least 20 Burundian soldiers have been killed in ongoing fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, military sources said, according to The Defense Post. The clashes come only days after a peace agreement was signed in Washington aimed at stabilizing the volatile, resource-rich region.

Battles intensified this week in South Kivu province, where M23 rebels are confronting the Congolese army supported by thousands of Burundian troops. Both sides are vying for control of Kamanyola, a strategic border town at the intersection of DR Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. M23 is currently reported to hold the area.

Burundi has begun sending reinforcements to prevent further rebel advances toward Uvira as tensions rise. Military sources said at least 20 Burundian soldiers killed since Monday have been repatriated to Bujumbura. Among the dead were a lieutenant colonel and three guards who were reportedly killed in a drone strike on Thursday on the Rusizi plain.

The same sources claimed Burundian forces had inflicted losses on M23 and contained parts of the offensive, though no additional details were provided. An AFP correspondent confirmed that fighting continued in South Kivu on Saturday. The escalating violence comes as President Evariste Ndayishimiye cut short his trip to Washington amid growing concern within military circles.