Burundi will not withdraw its troops from the DRC until their mission is fully accomplished. Only Kinshasa can request or approve a withdrawal, says Edouard Bizimana.
Tensions are rising once again over the presence of Burundian troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While some voices are calling for an immediate withdrawal, government spokesperson Edouard Bizimana delivered a firm message: there will be no withdrawal until the mission is fully completed. His statement reaffirms the strategic security cooperation between Bujumbura and Kinshasa.
Burundi’s Firm Stance: The Mission Comes First
During an official statement, Edouard Bizimana dismissed any possibility of a premature withdrawal of Burundian forces deployed in eastern DRC. According to him, Burundi’s intervention is based on a bilateral agreement aimed at stabilizing areas threatened by armed groups.
“Withdrawal is not an option until the mission is accomplished,” Bizimana stressed.
This position confirms that military cooperation between both countries remains active, regardless of pressure or demands from certain political or civil society actors.
Only the DRC Can Request a Withdrawal
The key part of Bizimana’s message is clear:
“Only the Democratic Republic of Congo can request or decide the withdrawal of the troops.”
This means:
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Burundi will not act unilaterally,
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Kinshasa remains the decision-maker,
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The mandate continues until the Congolese government officially decides otherwise.
This reminder of the legal and diplomatic framework strengthens the legitimacy of Burundi’s presence on Congolese soil.
A Persistent Security Crisis in Eastern DRC
The deployment of Burundian forces is part of a broader regional security strategy aimed at countering:
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armed groups operating in South Kivu,
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cross-border militias threatening stability,
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rising tensions and community conflicts.
Since these objectives have not yet been achieved, Bujumbura considers a withdrawal premature and potentially dangerous for the region’s stability.
Why Are Some Calling for a Withdrawal?
Several civil society groups and political actors in the DRC recently called for:
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more transparency regarding foreign military operations,
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an assessment of troop effectiveness,
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a renewed approach to national sovereignty and territorial control.
These calls reflect local concerns about security, governance, and military presence in conflict-affected areas.
The DRC–Burundi Partnership: A Key Regional Security Pillar
The cooperation between Kinshasa and Bujumbura is part of a larger Great Lakes strategy aimed at:
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stabilizing border regions,
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improving intelligence sharing,
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combating transnational rebel groups.
As long as these shared goals remain unmet, the Burundian government sees its continued military presence as essential.
Burundi’s message is unambiguous: its troops will remain in the DRC until their mission is fully completed. The decision to withdraw rests exclusively with the Congolese government. In a region plagued by insecurity, this bilateral cooperation remains a central component of efforts to restore sustainable peace.
Joshmishumbi