While the actions of the Burundian National Defense Force (FDNB) continue to divide public opinion – with some observers describing the army as having “reconverted into mercenaries” serving the head of state and a handful of high-ranking officers – Gitega continues to assert its role in stabilizing eastern DRC, where more than 10,000 Burundian soldiers are deployed.
On the eve of a press conference followed by a direct exchange with reporters, several key questions should be addressed directly:
1️⃣ The abuses attributed to the Burundian army in the Minembwe Highlands (South Kivu), particularly against Banyamulenge civilians.
2️⃣ The families of soldiers killed in action who are still waiting for promised but never paid compensation, according to numerous testimonies. 3️⃣ The lack of logistics and equipment denounced by soldiers in operation, despite the scale of the deployment in Congolese territory.
4️⃣ The reported participation of Burundian troops in fighting alongside Congolese militias, raising questions about the doctrine of engagement.
5️⃣ The existence of an informal parallel command, accused of causing heavy losses within the FDNB and bypassing the regular military chain of command.
6️⃣ And above all: how to explain that, despite this massive deployment and direct involvement in the crisis, Burundi was not included in the diplomatic talks in Doha and Washington—unlike Rwanda—and what strategy does Gitega intend to adopt to be recognized as a key player in the search for peace in eastern Congo?
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