The decision to deploy Burundian soldiers to the DRC was based on an agreement between the presidents of the two countries in August 2023, valued at five billion dollars.
These soldiers were sent to North Kivu province. In the Masisi territory, M23 killed many Burundian soldiers and captured others from November 2023 to May 2024.
After being overpowered by M23 starting in November 2023, when Burundian soldiers launched an attack on the militia’s positions in Kitshanga, some soldiers began refusing to return to the front lines, explaining that they did not understand what they were fighting for. Some also complained about being forced to wear DRC military uniforms and not being provided with adequate equipment.
The Burundi government decided to repatriate the soldiers who refused to fight from November 2023 to February 2024, using planes and Lake Kivu. In total, around 274 soldiers were detained in the provinces of Rumonge, Ngozi, Ruyigi, and Bururi.
In the trial that began in May 2024, these soldiers were charged with disobeying the orders of the Head of State, mutiny, and treason. None of them had legal representation.
The court acquitted two of them, sentenced others to 30 years, 25 years, and 20 years in prison. All 272 soldiers were fined in US dollars.
During the trial in Rutana province, the soldiers, including Colonels and Majors, told the court that their actions were based on orders from their superiors. They asked the government to acquit them and reinstate them in their positions.
After being sentenced, they claimed they were unjustly convicted and announced plans to appeal the court’s decision.
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