The Burundi government has expressed concern over the fragile security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite initial verification missions of the ceasefire. Ambassador Zéphyrin Maniratanga, Burundi's representative to the UN, addressed the UN Security Council on September 29, 2026, highlighting the need for parties to respect their commitments and cooperate with verification mechanisms. The initial missions, conducted in Minembwe, South Kivu, and Masisi, North Kivu, were facilitated by the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission.
Maniratanga welcomed the first verification missions as an encouraging step but emphasized that the continued fighting in eastern DRC undermines these gains. He urged parties to respect their commitments, cooperate fully with verification mechanisms, and allow further missions to take place. The Burundi government also called for the disarmament of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group operating in eastern DRC. Maniratanga stressed that progress on disarmament must be verifiable on the ground.
The ambassador highlighted developments related to the disarmament, demobilization, and cantonment of FDLR fighters. A faction of the group signed a protocol for disarmament, demobilization, and cantonment, and the DRC presented a plan for disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration under the Washington process. However, differences persist between parties regarding its implementation. Maniratanga emphasized that these efforts must be pursued in good faith and lead to verifiable measures.
The Burundi government also called for an end to support for armed groups and the implementation of commitments to address regional security concerns. Maniratanga stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of DRC. He commended the MONUSCO mission for its role in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration efforts, particularly in the treatment and repatriation of former FDLR combatants.
On September 8, 2026, MONUSCO facilitated the repatriation of 120 former combatants, including FDLR members, and their dependents to Rwanda. Maniratanga recommended preserving these capabilities and considering them in discussions on the renewal of MONUSCO's mandate. The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns. Maniratanga emphasized the need for protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access, and respect for the freedom of movement of the MONUSCO mission.
The UN Security Council was also informed about the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, with reports of new civilian casualties, forced displacement, and human rights abuses. Maniratanga expressed concern over access difficulties faced by MONUSCO and humanitarian actors. The Burundi government's statement reflects the complexities of the peace process in eastern DRC, where diplomatic efforts aim to consolidate the ceasefire amidst persistent armed violence.
The joint verification mechanism is conducting further missions to document and verify potential ceasefire violations. However, reports on these missions and the parties involved have not been made public. The situation in eastern DRC remains a concern for regional actors, with ongoing efforts to address security challenges and promote peace.
Key points
- The Burundi government has urged parties to respect ceasefire agreements and allow verification missions to proceed in eastern DRC.
- The disarmament of FDLR fighters remains a key concern, with the Burundi government calling for verifiable progress on disarmament.
- The MONUSCO mission has played a crucial role in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration efforts, including the repatriation of former FDLR combatants to Rwanda.
