Rwanda has accused Burundian forces of directly fighting the M23 armed group in eastern DR Congo.
The M23, backed by Rwanda, took control of Goma and is advancing south.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, stated that Burundian troops have been engaged in combat against the M23 since October 2023.
A Burundian military source confirmed that 10,000 soldiers were deployed in the region.
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye warned that continued conflict could escalate into a regional war.
He accused Rwanda of preparing aggression against Burundi, pledging not to allow it.
Rwanda has denied involvement in the fighting.
A UN report indicated Rwanda’s de facto control over M23 forces, with 4,000 troops in DR Congo.
As M23 advances toward South Kivu, Burundi’s troops, part of a regional force, are defending the region alongside Congolese forces.
