This past Sunday Burundian ruler Evariste Ndayishimiye traveled to Kinshasa for yet another meeting with his political patron Félix Tshisekedi.
Their growing alliance, marked by more than two face-to-face meetings in under four months and a spell of exchanged emissaries, reveals a calculated agenda that threatens the stability of the entire region.
At the heart of their collaboration lies a dangerous mission, which is ethnic cleansing. The Congolese army (FARDC), now operating side by side with both the Burundian military and the FDLR – an armed group made up of remnants of the Rwandan genocidaires continues to launch brutal attacks in South Kivu. The primary targets are innocent Congolese civilians, especially members of the Banyamulenge community.
Recent offensives in Rugezi, Minembwe, Mikenke, Kundondo, and Rurambo have left behind death, injury, mass displacement, and the destruction of vital infrastructure. What makes this crisis even more disturbing is Tshisekedi’s complete rejection of the ceasefire proposed during the Doha peace talks, which were facilitated by Qatar.
Ndayishimiye’s visit to Kinshasa is no diplomatic gesture. It is a public endorsement of Tshisekedi’s militaristic ambitions. Ndayishimiye has refused to be a neutral actor; he has become an enabler, hosting FDLR fighters and sending troops to support a campaign of ethnic cleansing.
Tshisekedi’s warmongering has become the ignition point for chaos in the Great Lakes region. And Ndayishimiye, seduced by financial incentives, plays the obedient puppet, complicit in crimes against humanity.
The international community must act. Stopping Tshisekedi’s militarized crusade is not only urgent; it is the only way to cut off the support system between Tshisekedi and Ndayishimiye that keeps this bloodshed alive.
ellenkampire