The government of Burundi has stepped up military operations against the armed Red Tabara rebels in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Currently, operations are advancing unhindered as the negative forces flee from the advance of our soldiers,” said Burundi army spokesperson, Col Floribert Biereke.
Over 600 troops deployed on August 15 are meant to “help restore peace and security in the province of South Kivu,” according to Burundian officials.
The Red Tabara fighters are reportedly backed by dissident Burundian army officers who fled the country after a failed coup against ex-president, Pierre Nkurunziza in 2015.
The rebels have been accused of carrying out attacks inside the Burundian territory, killing dozens of people.
Between 23 and 26 October, 2021, Congolese armed forces (FARDC) conducted operations against the Burundian armed groups Forces nationales de libération (FNL) and RED-Tabara which resulted in the killing of at least 27 FNL fighters in Homba, in the Fizi, and Uvira territories.
FARDC seized the FNL headquarters in South Kivu. Several elements of the RED-Tabara were reported to have relocated from their original strongholds in Fizi and Uvira to Kalehe territory and have continued to wreak havoc in the region.
Biereke said the “dispatch of troops took place within the framework of a bilateral agreement with DRC pending the effective deployment of the regional force decided at the meeting of the heads of state held in Kenya on June 20, 2022.”
“Faced by the deterioration of the security situation in South Kivu, Burundi and the DRC had to take the lead by pooling forces,” said Biereke, adding, “By doing so, the two countries aim to restore peace and security by neutralising the negative and terrorist forces that are sowing destruction in this part of the DRC.”
Red Tabara says it is fighting for the “re-establishment of the conditions for the organization of democratic, free, inclusive and transparent elections in Burundi.”
Regional leaders recently told rebel movements to lay down weapons or face military action. None has complied.
Burundi has been deploying specialized combat units in South Kivu since August 15.
The force is commanded by a Congolese army officer who is deputized by a Burundian.
“The logistics and everything needed for the operation are the responsibility of Burundi,” said Col Biereke.
