DRC Army Reports 36 Burundian Rebel Deaths

The army of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this week confirmed the death of 36 Burundian rebels following a three-day operation in South Kivu.

The rebels targeted were members of the National Forces of Liberation (FNL) and the Republican Forces of Burundi (FOREBU), with weapons and ammunition also seized. The DRC army reported three fatalities and four injuries among its own troops.

FNL is a largely Hutu rebel movement that has been camped out in eastern DRC since 2009, while the FOREBU consists of troops and police that deserted the Burundian security forces followed a failed coup against President Nkurunziza in 2015.

The DRC has accused the rebel groups of colluding with local militias in the area.