Burundian forces have launched attacks on the FLN rebel group, which opposes the Rwandan government, after the group refused to collaborate with the Burundian and Congolese armies in combating the M23 rebel movement that has been challenging both countries’ forces.
When the M23 resumed fighting in eastern Congo, the Kinshasa government sought assistance from Burundi and other armed groups operating in Congo’s forests to help the Congolese army (FARDC) defeat M23.
Reports from Burundi indicate that when the FLN rebels were invited to join the coalition supporting Kinshasa, they remained silent, fearing confrontation with M23. Instead, they retreated into the Kibira forest in Burundi’s Cibitoke province.
The FLN’s refusal to join the coalition was seen as a significant betrayal. Consequently, in late March, the Burundian military began launching attacks on the group hiding in the Kibira forest.
These attacks continued into April and intensified in the current month. Both sides have suffered losses, but the FLN is reportedly nearing collapse.
A Burundian soldier reported that a recent attack in May targeted FLN fighters returning from gathering food in Bukinanyana commune, Cibitoke province, resulting in significant losses for the FLN.
The report also mentions that the FLN suffered fatalities and that five of its soldiers were captured. The Burundian side also acknowledged casualties and injuries among its troops.
A UN expert report confirms that Burundian forces increased cooperation with the FLN when relations between Rwanda and Burundi deteriorated in late 2023.
Since late 2022, the Burundian military (FDNB) has been collaborating with the Congolese army (FARDC) and other armed groups like Wazalendo and FDLR to eliminate M23, although these efforts have yet to yield results.
Before M23 and Twirwaneho took control of key areas in South Kivu, including Bukavu, Nyangenzi, Kamanyola, and Minembwe, the FLN had a good relationship with Burundian forces and even collaborated in fighting the Red-Tabara group opposing Burundi.
