Burundian forces deployed to Congo

Locals are divided over the Burundian forces' deployment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo's east, with some vehemently opposing and others cautiously welcoming their presence.

On Monday, Burundian forces started to arrive in South Kivu province, advancing a proposal by the seven-nation East African Community (EAC) to stabilize the protractedly tumultuous area.

Many of the armed organizations that now prowl the east of the DRC are leftovers from the full-fledged hostilities that broke out during the last decade of the 20th century.

Some people doubt that the Burundian deployment will increase security, while others are hopeful.

Some people are furious that Burundi, which has been welcomed into the DRC and is accused, like Rwanda, of previously interfering in the mineral-rich area.

Some people are furious that Burundi, which has been welcomed into the DRC and is accused, like Rwanda, of previously interfering in the mineral-rich area.

Denis Mukwege, a surgeon who has treated thousands of rape victims in the area, who shared the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize, said that the deployment is "one more disgrace for our nation."

He posted on Twitter on Tuesday, "Let's cease the policy of outsourcing our security to unstable governments & work on reforming our army to make it professional and operational."

Foreign forces "just increase rather than fix the crisis," according to a campaign organization in South Kivu called the New Dynamics of Civil Society.

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It said that "the majority" of these forces had been on DRC soil for years, pointing to long-standing concerns about intervention by the nation's neighbors.

It said that some countries fund armed organizations in order to "keep anarchy... (and) plunder our mineral resources."

Over the previous ten years, insurgents in the country's east have killed hundreds of people, and tens of thousands have fled their homes.

In the area, there are thought to be 120 armed organizations operating, many of which are organized along ethnic lines.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which the self-described Islamic State describes as its regional affiliate, and the M23, a militia made up of Congolese Tutsis, are among the worst.

Some groups have hidden out in the DRC and have a history of opposing regimes in neighboring countries, which might make the EAC mission more difficult.

This comprises the National Liberation Forces (FNL) and RED Tabara, the two rebel organizations in Burundi.

Even with the assistance of a sizable UN peacekeeping presence, the DRC's military forces have been unable to stop the carnage.

Even though North Kivu and Ituri were placed under emergency measures in May of last year to aid in the war against the rebels, attacks have continued.

Senior civilian authorities have been replaced by security forces personnel under this alleged "state of siege."

The leader of the civil society organization Minembwe, Saint-Cadet Kibibi, referred to the Burundian troops as "welcome," but he questioned their ability to bring about peace.

“We want to see this force do its job correctly, with respect for international humanitarian law,” he said.

A organization known as the Civil Society of Compatriots/Uvira-Kelvin Fizi's Bwija expressed his expectation that the activities will be given a "precise timeline" for ending.

Burundi, the DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda are all members of the EAC.

The leaders of the bloc decided in June to establish a regional force that would cooperate with Congolese forces.

South Sudanese military will be transferred to the province of Haut-Uele, while Kenyan and Ugandan forces would be stationed in North Kivu and Ituri.

Kinshasa has opposed the inclusion of Rwandan troops in the EAC force and accused Kigali of aiding the M23 rebel group in North Kivu.

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