M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have claimed they captured hundreds of Burundian soldiers during recent clashes near the border city of Uvira, signalling a sharp escalation in a conflict that has continued despite a US-brokered peace agreement.
The claim was made by officials from the Congo River Alliance (AFC), a rebel coalition that includes the M23 movement, which has been fighting Congolese government forces and their allies in South Kivu province. Burundi has deployed troops to eastern Congo for several years to support Kinshasa’s campaign against armed groups operating in the region.
AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the group was prepared to hand over the captured Burundian soldiers to their government. Meanwhile, the M23-appointed governor of South Kivu, Busu Bwa Ngwi, warned Burundian forces and other foreign troops backing the Congolese army to leave the country, saying the rebels intended to extend their control further.
The reported capture follows the seizure of Uvira, a strategic city on Lake Tanganyika near the Burundi border. Congolese authorities say the offensive has killed more than 100 people and displaced thousands, alleging it was supported by Rwanda’s military.
The violence has unfolded despite a recent accord signed in Washington by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, aimed at ending decades of fighting. While Kigali denies involvement, US officials have accused Rwanda of breaching the agreement and warned of consequences if commitments are not upheld.
