FDNB reportedly deploys reinforcements to South Kivu after Gen.Niyongabo’s Kinshasa visit

Burundi’s Defence Force (FDNB) is reportedly reinforcing its presence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, days after its commander, Gen. Prime Niyongabo, made a reported visit to Kinshasa.

According to sources, a significant number of Burundian soldiers crossed from Burundi into the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Kavimvira border during the night of August 12–13, 2026.

The sources claimed that the troops were heading toward Baraka and Kamanyola in South Kivu Province and were accompanied by heavy military equipment.

“FDNB crossed Kavimvira throughout the night. There were many soldiers, heading toward Baraka and Kamanyola. Heavy equipment was also being brought in,” one source was quoted as saying.

The reported movement comes days after Gen. Niyongabo’s visit to Kinshasa on August 6. Details of his discussions with Congolese officials have not been publicly released.

Burundi has previously deployed troops to eastern DR Congo in support of the Congolese government amid the ongoing conflict involving the Congolese army, armed groups and AFC/M23.

Reported Kinshasa Meetings

The reports also claim that Erik Prince, the founder of the private security company formerly known as Blackwater, recently visited Kinshasa and allegedly attended a meeting at President Félix Tshisekedi’s office.

According to the same reports, the meeting brought together Prince and associates, Congolese political and military officials, members of President Tshisekedi’s office and representatives of Burundi.

The reported discussions allegedly focused on the military situation on different fronts and efforts by forces aligned with Kinshasa to regain territory in areas including the highlands of Fizi, Uvira and Mwenga.

However, these claims have not been independently verified, and none of the parties reportedly involved has publicly confirmed the details of the alleged meeting.

Burundi’s Military Presence

Burundi has maintained a military presence in eastern DR Congo as part of its cooperation with Kinshasa. Various reports have previously put the number of Burundian troops deployed in the country at more than 20,000, although the exact figure remains difficult to independently verify.

The reported reinforcement comes amid continued fighting and shifting territorial control in South Kivu, where forces aligned with Kinshasa have faced armed groups, including AFC/M23 and Twirwaneho.

The latest reports of troop movements through Kavimvira could signal increased military preparations in the region, but their exact purpose and scale remain unclear.