On Tuesday, sources confirmed that Burundian troops deployed to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to combat Rwanda-backed M23 rebels had begun withdrawing.
According to a Burundian army officer and two UN officials, the withdrawal follows M23’s recent capture of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. The rebel group had previously seized control of eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma, in late January and continued to advance.
“Burundi troops are withdrawing from DRC. Several military trucks have crossed the border since yesterday,” the army officer said.
Burundi has maintained a military presence in eastern Congo for years, initially targeting Burundian rebel groups. More recently, its forces have been supporting Congolese troops in their efforts to push back M23 rebels.