Through an EAC Initiative, Burundi takes the lead in neutralizing foreign armed groups in DRC.
RegionWeek Newsletter Vol VI, Issue #219 | Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Dear RegionWeek Readers,
On 15 August, Burundi deployed a battalion to the South Kivu province as part of the East African Community (EAC) Task Force to neutralize foreign armed groups operating in the region
The deployment of the Burundian National Defense Forces was agreed upon last February by Heads of State of EAC as part of an effort to end years of Instability in the Ituri, North, and South Kivu provinces. This will be complemented by the Nairobi process, a political track between the DRCongo government and local armed groups.
The EAC Summit agreed that the operational Sectors of the Task Force will be Sector 1 Haut UELE where the FARDC will deploy with South Sudan. Sector 2 Ituri and Sector 3 Grand Nord Kivu where Uganda forces will deploy, and Sector 4, where Kenya forces are expected to deploy. Rwanda will deploy inside Rwanda territory as a blocking force.
The BNDF has deployed in a sector known as Sukola II-South South Kivu where its main targets will be the RNC, FNL, FPB/FOREBU, and Red Tabara.
Why does it matter?
According to experts, the talks in Nairobi between the DRCongo armed groups and the deployment of the Task Force present a unique opportunity to pacify Eastern DRC and pave the way for the general elections. The primary responsibility for the pacification of Eastern DRC lies with the Congolese authorities and the solution is 90 percent political and 10 percent military.
“Constant dialogue with the countries of the region will be key. Without forgetting some outside of the continent forces which pull the strings and often play a destabilizing role as they seek to control the vast mineral wealth.” notes a Burundian official close to the DRC pacification process.”
The assumption that Burundi will fight with local armed groups is the most propaganda disseminated by some Congolese and other quarters meant to drag Burundi into local Congolese politics and the tensions between DRC and Rwanda, an army strategist warns.
Burundi’s Experience at work
For observers, BNDF’s ethnic makeup and experiences acquired fighting insurgencies in Somalia and CAR will be a great asset. The BNDF is an army made up of 50 percent ethnic Hutus and 50 percent ethnic Tutsi, tribes that are found in their area of operations.
Most importantly its core doctrine is based on a doctrine acquired over the years with the crises in Burundi, Somalia, CAR, and other parts of the continent.
In its missions, the FDNB relies on 7 principles.
First, sovereign decisions belong to the host nation,
Second, there is no military solution to a political problem,
Third, any military operation should follow a political objective,
Fourth fighting should be the last resort and armed groups should be given opportunities to lay down their arms,
Fifth, local communities must understand and embrace the operations.
Sixth, respect for International Humanitarian Law is paramount, and
Seventh, a deployment must have a clear exit strategy.
“Imbonerakure” propaganda.
“There is a deliberate effort to tarnish the image of the BNDF by associating their deployment with youth affiliated with the ruling party in Burundi.” Commentators note this as a thorn in the foot of the Burundian army deployment mission in DRC.
Imbonerakure, the youth wing of Cndd-Fdd for many years were subject to a deliberate campaign of trying to portray them as the Interahamwe of Rwanda, a narrative that was designed to fuel the 2015 election crisis in Burundi.
The Burundi National Defense Forces have always confirmed and proven that they have enough forces and don’t need the youth wing of the ruling party to boost its ranks.
The Bottom line
The DRC has a unique opportunity to pacify eastern DRC before the elections next year but the DRC and its people must remain focused, implement agreements, and not get distracted by the prophets of doom.
Thanks for reading,
Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief, RegionWeek