African state accuses rebels of cross-border bombing
M23 attacked Cibitoke province a day after the DR Congo-Rwanda peace deal was signed, Burundi’s foreign minister has said
Burundi has accused M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) of carrying out a bombing attack on its territory. The statement marks an escalation in regional hostilities despite a peace agreement being signed last week between the presidents of the DR Congo and Rwanda.
The alleged strike reportedly targeted areas in Burundi’s Cibitoke province, which borders the DR Congo. According to a local news agency, several civilians, including children, were injured when two projectiles fell near a market in Rugombo. The precise number of casualties has not been confirmed.
“The terrorists of the AFC/M23, supported by Rwanda, dropped a bomb on Burundian territory on [Thursday],” Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana stated on Friday in a post on X. “Such provocation is unacceptable, and appropriate actions will be taken to protect the Burundian population.”
The rebel Congo River Alliance (AFC) – which includes the M23 movement – issued counterclaims the same day, accusing Burundi of launching cross-border attacks in recent days. In a statement posted by spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the group alleged that bombs had been falling “continuously” from Burundi territory for over three days, striking villages in eastern DR Congo.
“Burundi should focus on improving the living conditions of its people,” Kanyuka stated on X.
The exchange of accusations follows a high-profile peace meeting in Washington, where on Thursday Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed a peace agreement, facilitated by US President Donald Trump. Kinshasa has long accused Rwanda of backing M23 and profiting from illegal mining operations in the DR Congo – allegations Kigali denies.
The accord reaffirms commitments made in a preliminary agreement mediated by the US and Qatar in June.
According to Reuters, Burundi evacuated its forces from eastern DR Congo in February, where they had been fighting alongside Congolese counterparts against M23 rebels.
Fighting has intensified in eastern Congo since early 2025, with M23 forces capturing key towns, including Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu. Thousands of people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced since the escalation.
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