The latest wave of mass arrests and persecution of Congolese nationals in Burundi is a deeply concerning development with the potential to further destabilize the already volatile security situation in the Great Lakes region. According to reports, the targeted groups are mainly from the Banyamulenge community who hail from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, who fled their country in the face of persecution from the Kinshasa regime and their allied militias like the genocidal FDLR. This action by the Burundian authorities, following the continued defeats of Burundian forces fighting alongside Congolese soldiers and militia groups against the M23, raises serious concerns about regional stability and human rights. It is evident that the Burundian government is seeking to scapegoat Congolese citizens for its own military failures in the unjust war they are fighting in the DR Congo. This xenophobic targeting of a vulnerable population is unacceptable and must be condemned by the international community. Such actions not only violate fundamental human rights but also exacerbate regional tensions and fuel further instability. The ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo demands a regional approach that prioritizes dialogue, de-escalation, as guided recently by a joint summit of the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. The same was emphasized by the African Peace and Security Council which convened this weekend on the margins of the AU Summit in Addis Ababa. The Burundian government must cease its harassment of Congolese nationals and instead focus on contributing to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Same appeal goes to their counterparts in Kinshasa. This crisis underscores the urgent need for regional cooperation and a commitment to finding a diplomatic solution. Continued military escalation and the targeting of innocent civilians will only serve to deepen the humanitarian crisis and undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. The international community must exert pressure on the Burundian government to cease its human rights abuses and to engage constructively in efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern DR Congo. This includes ensuring the protection of Congolese nationals residing in Burundi and holding accountable those responsible for human rights violations. Most importantly, they should be part of the long-term solution to ensure security returns in eastern DR Congo for them to return home.
