Clashes between the FDLR and Burundian forces occurred from March 11 to 13 in Kibira, Burundi, sparked by disputes over food procurement. TheBurundian army is changing its approach towards the FDLR, attempting to expel it back to the DRC. The situation arises as diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Burundi are in the process of normalization despite the historical tensions surrounding the FDLR’s activities.
The Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB) and FDLR, alongside the Imbonerakure militia, have reportedly engaged in violent clashes in Kibira, located in the Bukinanyana Commune of north-western Burundi. These confrontations occurred between March 11 and 13, instigated by the FDLR’s efforts to procure food from the local populace in areas like Butahana, where government and military officials are allegedly aiding the militia by providing sustenance and weaponry.
Reports indicate that the Burundian army’s stance towards the FDLR, a group implicated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, may be shifting. The army seems to be taking measures to compel the FDLR to vacate Burundian territory and return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Notably, numerous Burundian soldiers have previously collaborated with the FDLR as part of a coalition supporting the Congolese government against the AFC/M23 rebels in eastern DRC.
The FDLR, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, was founded by individuals involved in the aforementioned genocide and has historically worked with Burundian and Congolese government forces. This relationship has drawn criticism from Rwanda, which perceives it as a significant regional security threat. Notably, these violent occurrences are unfolding simultaneously with diplomatic efforts aimed at normalizing relations between Rwanda and Burundi, which have been strained by Burundi’s perceived alignment with DRC’s regime change actions that threaten Rwanda, as well as past FDLR assaults against Rwanda during the last twenty years.
In summary, the recent clashes between the Burundi National Defense Force, the FDLR, and the Imbonerakure militia reflect a complex security landscape in north-western Burundi. As the Burundian army potentially recalibrates its relationship with the FDLR, these events occur amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Rwanda and Burundi. Understanding the historical and regional implications of these hostilities is vital in addressing the overarching concerns for stability and peace in the region.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
