DR Congo
Kinshasa sold sovereignty for gold and coltan, says AFC/M23
AFC/M23 accuses Burundi of exploiting South Kivu’s mineral wealth under secret deal with Kinshasa, deploying over 10,000 troops in the region.
The rebel coalition AFC/M23 has issued a strong statement accusing Burundi’s government, under President Évariste Ndayishimiye, of acting as a mercenary force in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), allegedly driven by hidden political and financial interests rather than regional security commitments.
According to AFC/M23’s post on its official X account, Burundi’s military involvement in South Kivu is not about combating armed groups like RED–TABARA, as Gitega claims, but rather about accessing mineral resources. The group alleges that a secret agreement was made between Kinshasa and Gitega, granting Burundi exclusive rights to mine coltan, gold, and cassiterite in exchange for military support to FARDC and allied militias.
“Burundi has become a mercenary state, entering a war that isn’t its own for profit and hidden political motives,” the coalition stated.
AFC/M23 claims that Burundi has deployed more than 10,000 troops in South Kivu, with over 70 military bases established across Fizi, Mwenga, and Uvira territories. This presence, they argue, undermines the sovereignty of the DRC and destabilizes the region.
Human rights advocates and local sources have raised alarms over alleged abuses by Burundian forces, particularly against Banyamulenge communities. Some organizations warn that Gitega may be preparing ethnic violence, in collaboration with armed groups like the FDLR, which has a history of targeting Tutsi populations.
These revelations come amid broader concerns about the Doha peace roadmap, which aims to end hostilities in eastern DRC. AFC/M23 insists that Kinshasa’s actions especially its alleged deals with foreign governments violate the principles of sovereignty and peace outlined in the Washington and Doha agreements.
“Selling out national sovereignty for mineral access is a dangerous precedent,” the group warned.
Umujyanama wa Perezida wa Amerika yasabye Leta ya Kinshasa guhagarika imirwano
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