Congo-Kinshasa: How Burundi Troops, Hutu Rebels Provoked M23's March On Goma

The FDLR is a terrorist organization blacklisted by the UN and US. It was founded by military extremists linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

On January 12, 2025, Lt Col Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko spoke to Al Jazeera. He said that the FARDC halted rebel advances in North Kivu province. The pro-Kinshasa coalition attacked M23 positions near Minova and other localities. Kaiko noted that they had pushed back rebels from several areas.

However, he did not mention that Burundian troops led this offensive. They received support from elements of the FDLR militia. This group plays a central role in the ongoing conflict between Kigali and Kinshasa.

The Burundian troops and FDLR launched their attack from bases in Minova. They targeted high grounds like Gatare and Bombandana. This offensive occurred while M23 was observing a ceasefire for peace talks.

An M23 commander admitted it was a significant offensive during a tour of Minova on March 22. He stated they retreated strategically to gain an advantage.

For several days, the Burundi-led coalition occupied some M23 territories. An anonymous officer confirmed they briefly took places like Bitagata and Ngungu but held them for only three days. After regrouping, M23 launched a counteroffensive.

By January 17, M23 had regained lost villages and expanded their territory southward into South Kivu. The Burundians, FDLR, and FARDC fled in disarray after facing strong resistance from M23 forces.

Minova is crucial as it supplies essential products to Goma via Lake Kivu. Burundian troops had previously displaced farmers there to control strategic high grounds north of Minova.

Their goal was to recapture Rubaya in Masisi territory, which M23 seized last May. A former FDLR combatant claimed protecting Rubaya was vital for Burundian forces' mission.

Despite their efforts, the Burundi-FDLR offensives ultimately benefited M23's strategy. The rebels executed a phased counteroffensive against their opponents.

Phase I involved pushing back Burundian forces beyond Minova's previous lines. By January 20, M23 captured Minova and Bweramana along with other locations in South Kivu.

M23 felt confident as they prepared for Phase II of their plan. They aimed to take Sake and Mubambiro after controlling key routes from Sake to Minova.

M23 deployed units on Buzi-Bulengo peninsula to engage coalition forces at Mubambiro barracks effectively. Their strategy involved splitting into three battalions for coordinated attacks on enemy positions around January 23.

The first battalion advanced rapidly towards Mubambiro on January 23 at dawn, avoiding unnecessary confrontations along the way. They took control of Mubambiro barracks by around 9 AM that day.

The second battalion followed on January 24 through Kwa Madimba hills to support those at Mubambiro while clearing enemy pockets along their route.

Meanwhile, the third battalion bypassed Sake and advanced toward Shove Mountain while engaging enemy forces en route.

On January 23, SAMIDRC troops unexpectedly joined the fighting at Mubambiro after initially planning not to intervene.

Fighting intensified when South African troops opened fire on M23 soldiers around 2 PM that day.

Earlier that day, coalition forces had fled from battle at Mubambiro before reinforcements arrived from Goma.

Fierce fighting continued until early morning on January 25 when SAMIDRC raised a white flag signaling defeat.

The coalition suffered heavy casualties during this battle; many South African soldiers lost their lives.

M23 relied heavily on guerrilla tactics despite being outnumbered and outgunned during these confrontations.

During the battle of Mubambiro, two tanks were lost by coalition forces: one burned with soldiers inside while another was overturned but later seized by M23.

Coalition forces abandoned numerous weapons during their retreat; many were left behind by South African troops alone.