Cibitoke: defection of Burundian soldiers who should be deployed in DRC

Three Burundian soldiers from the 112th battalion in Cibitoke (northwest of Burundi) defected early this week while on their way to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Soldiers say they are afraid of being deployed on the soil of the largest country in central Africa. Battalion officials preferred not to comment on this defection. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

At least three soldiers from the Cibitoke camp on their way to the DRC’s regions deserted and preferred to return to Burundi while they were already in the locality of Sange in the territory of Uvira, in the province of South Kivu, eastern DRC, according to our sources.

These soldiers returned to their unit in Cibitoke.

“They were directly arrested and taken to Bujumbura (economic capital) where they are currently incarcerated,” reveals a military source on condition of anonymity.

The same source continues to specify that the lives of these soldiers are in danger.

“Following the numerous cases of desertion observed in the ranks of elements of the FDNB (Burundi National Defense Force) deployed in Congo, we have concerns about our security and believe that our leadership has decided to intimidate us in order to prevent us from deserting,” insists a soldier reached by telephone on the other side of the Rusizi in Congo.

The FDNB has two contingents on Congolese territory. One is a framework of joint operations of the East African community armies, the other is a framework a bilateral accord between the Burudian and Congolese governments.

Other military sources contacted say there is growing desperation and panic among men in uniform who fear being deployed in the DRC.

The same sources indicate that most elements of the FDNB operate in Congo unofficially. They pass through areas not recognized by the immigration services on illegal borders. In many cases, SOS Médias Burundi recently got testimonies from Imbonerakure (members of the CNDD-FDD youth league) who always go with the Burundian army on the battlefield in the big eastern neighbor, especially in the South Kivu. Those members of the youth league of the presidential party who are sent there are particularly from the north-west region of Burundi.

“The other concern and not the least among the elements of the FDNB is compensation which is not paid to the families of the soldiers who fell on the battlefield. Their families are prohibited from mourning in order to cover their tracks which could reveal deaths among Burundian soldiers killed in DR Congo”, insists a young officer.

Contacted about this, the deputy commander of Cibitoke camp described this information as “rumors”, preferring not to make further comments on this matter.