As tensions escalate in eastern DRC, top military leaders from Congo (FARDC) and Burundi (FDNB) held a closed-door meeting this past Wednesday in Uvira, an area increasingly threatened by war. The high-level meeting is believed to signal a major shift in the joint military campaign against the M23 rebel group.
Held on Wednesday, May 14, in Uvira (eastern DRC), the meeting brought together the Chief of Staff of the FARDC, Lt. Gen. Jules Banza Mwilambwe, and his Burundian counterpart, Gen. Prime Niyongabo, Chief of Staff of the FDNB.
Both generals were reportedly accompanied by a large Burundian military convoy, having crossed the Kavimvira border before proceeding to the Sokola 2 operations zone in South Kivu, near recent combat lines. The discussions were held in strict secrecy.
A resident of Uvira told SOS MĂ©dias Burundi:
“From 8:00 a.m. to 4:35 p.m., the generals were there. They refused to speak to us, so we don’t know what was discussed.”
The meeting comes amid growing tensions between FARDC, Wazalendo militias, and Burundian forces—especially in Katogota and Kamanyola areas. Wazalendo militias accuse some Burundian units of delaying attacks on M23, a rebel group entrenched in eastern DRC.
The Burundian army has deployed around 10,000 troops to support the FARDC and Wazalendo. These militias are supported and overseen by Congolese authorities. The joint forces are attempting to halt M23’s steady gains since early 2025, which include major towns in both North and South Kivu.
Security sources suggest the generals’ visit aimed to strengthen military coordination. A defense analyst said:
“They are preparing for war. New military equipment has arrived, including drones stationed in Kindu (Maniema) and Bujumbura.”
Fighting has intensified in areas like Kaziba (Walungu territory) and Rugezi (Fizi territory), where FARDC, local militias, and Burundian troops have been clashing with M23 and Twirwaneho forces.
The meeting ended in the afternoon. At 4:50 p.m., the two generals left Uvira for Bujumbura without making any public statements, leaving room for speculation about the outcome of the secretive, though not hidden, talks.
