Corneille Nangaa, leader of a coalition opposing the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has publicly condemned what he describes as the involvement of Burundi’s president in ongoing violence targeting the Banyamulenge community in South Kivu Province.
In a statement issued on February 13, 2026, Nangaa denounced continued military operations conducted by Congolese government forces alongside Burundian troops. He accused them of carrying out attacks against civilians and positions linked to AFC/M23, an armed political-military coalition active in eastern Congo.
Nangaa expressed concern over what he called the role of Burundi’s head of state, who is also expected to assume leadership responsibilities within the African Union. He argued that such involvement raises serious questions about regional leadership and accountability at a time when ethnic tensions in eastern Congo remain fragile.
According to Nangaa, the situation in South Kivu particularly in areas inhabited by the Banyamulenge community has deteriorated as military operations intensify. He urged international partners and African institutions to use their diplomatic influence and humanitarian mechanisms to prevent further escalation and to protect civilians caught in the conflict.
The Banyamulenge, a Tutsi community primarily residing in the highlands of South Kivu, have long been entangled in cycles of violence linked to broader regional instability. Eastern Congo has for decades been the epicenter of armed conflict involving local militias, foreign-backed armed groups, and state forces. The overlapping dynamics of ethnicity, land disputes, mineral resources, and cross-border politics have contributed to repeated flare-ups.
Burundi deployed troops to eastern Congo under bilateral security agreements aimed at combating armed groups hostile to Bujumbura. Among the groups cited by Burundian authorities are RED Tabara, FNL-Nzabampema, and FOREBU armed movements composed largely of Burundian rebels operating in Congolese territory.
While the original mandate of Burundian forces was framed as counter-insurgency against these groups, reports from opposition figures indicate that their operational focus has broadened. Military actions have reportedly extended into territories such as Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga, particularly in and around the Minembwe commune, an area closely associated with the Banyamulenge population.
Residents in Minembwe and surrounding highland zones have described increased restrictions on movement, disrupted access to markets, and difficulties reaching medical facilities. Burundian military spokesperson Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza previously stated that certain road closures and security measures were implemented due to concerns that civilians were collaborating with armed adversaries.
Nangaa’s statement frames these measures as collective punishment and accuses allied forces of exacerbating ethnic polarization. He warned that unchecked violence could fuel broader instability across the Great Lakes region, where historical grievances and cross-border dynamics have repeatedly triggered wider conflicts.
Eastern Congo remains one of Africa’s most complex security landscapes. Armed groups such as AFC/M23 have clashed with Congolese forces in recent years, reigniting tensions that draw in neighboring states. The re-emergence of M23 and shifting alliances among regional actors have complicated diplomatic efforts led by regional blocs and international mediators.
The African Union, East African Community, and Southern African Development Community have all been engaged at different stages in attempts to stabilize eastern Congo. Peace talks, ceasefire declarations, and joint verification mechanisms have achieved limited and fragile progress. The presence of foreign troops, including those from Burundi, adds another layer of geopolitical sensitivity.
Nangaa’s remarks come at a moment when regional diplomacy is under heightened scrutiny. Leadership transitions within continental institutions often carry symbolic weight, particularly when allegations of involvement in cross-border conflict surface. His appeal to African institutions reflects a broader debate about accountability and the role of regional powers in neighboring conflicts.
From a humanitarian perspective, the situation in South Kivu underscores the vulnerability of civilian populations. Access to essential services remains inconsistent in many rural territories. Road closures and insecurity disrupt food supply chains and limit humanitarian outreach. International organizations operating in the region frequently cite logistical challenges and security risks that constrain their activities.
The Congolese government has consistently defended its security operations as necessary measures to restore state authority and neutralize armed groups threatening national sovereignty. Officials argue that cooperation with neighboring countries is essential in combating transnational insurgent networks.
However, opposition leaders and civil society actors often express concern about the humanitarian consequences of military campaigns. Allegations of targeted violence or disproportionate use of force can intensify ethnic mistrust, particularly in regions where identity politics have historically fueled conflict.
The Banyamulenge community occupies a particularly sensitive position within eastern Congo’s socio-political fabric. Questions of citizenship, land ownership, and political representation have periodically resurfaced, sometimes escalating into confrontation. Efforts to integrate communities into stable governance structures have faced recurring setbacks due to insecurity and competing armed interests.
Nangaa’s call for international engagement highlights the importance of preventive diplomacy. Regional actors face the challenge of balancing sovereignty with collective security responsibilities. Ensuring civilian protection while addressing legitimate security concerns remains a delicate task.
Analysts observing developments in South Kivu note that any perception of ethnic targeting risks widening fractures not only within Congo but also across borders. The Great Lakes region’s history demonstrates how localized violence can trigger broader instability when political narratives align with ethnic divisions.
As military operations continue in parts of Uvira, Fizi, Mwenga, and Minembwe, the international community is likely to monitor developments closely. Diplomatic channels, humanitarian corridors, and regional security dialogues will be central to preventing further escalation.
The situation also reflects the broader challenge of state authority in eastern Congo. Decades of armed mobilization, fluctuating alliances, and cross-border involvement have created an environment where civilian communities often bear the brunt of confrontation.
Nangaa’s statement adds a political dimension to an already volatile landscape. By directly criticizing Burundi’s leadership, he introduces diplomatic tension into ongoing security operations. Whether this leads to increased international mediation or further polarization remains to be seen.
For now, the immediate priority for communities in South Kivu remains safety and access to essential services. Preventing ethnic rhetoric from inflaming tensions will be critical in the coming weeks. Regional institutions, humanitarian agencies, and political actors will need to coordinate carefully to ensure that security measures do not deepen divisions.
As eastern Congo navigates yet another period of uncertainty, the balance between counter-insurgency operations and civilian protection stands at the center of regional stability. The coming months will test diplomatic resolve and the effectiveness of collective efforts aimed at preventing further humanitarian deterioration.
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