The Government of Burundi has deployed an estimated 29,000 soldiers and members of the Imbonerakure militia to Kalemie, the capital of Tanganyika Province, to prevent the city from falling to fighters of the AFC/M23 coalition. The move is aimed at strengthening defenses in case the rebel group resumes hostilities against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
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Burundian forces in Kalemie have joined the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), Wazalendo militias, the FDLR armed group, as well as foreign mercenaries reportedly from South America and Algeria.
Arrival of Troops and Military Equipment
Eyewitnesses reported that on January 13, two boats carrying hundreds of Burundian soldiers arrived at the port of Kalemie from Bujumbura via Rumonge. Three days earlier, two aircraft had transported around 400 FARDC troops into the city.
Since then, Kalemie and nearby areas have experienced a steady influx of both heavy and light weapons, along with other military equipment, signaling intensified military preparations.
Comparison with the Fall of Goma
Security analysts have compared the troop buildup in Kalemie to events in Goma in late 2024, when more than 60,000 troops were deployed to prevent the city’s capture by AFC/M23. Despite the heavy presence, the group seized Goma on January 27, 2025.
However, analysts note a key difference in Kalemie, as there is currently no confirmed indication that AFC/M23 plans to advance toward the city.
Regional Movements and Patrols on Lake Tanganyika
Although AFC/M23 captured Uvira on December 9, 2025, it withdrew its fighters by January 17, 2026, relocating them north toward Kamanyola. Meanwhile, Burundian and Congolese forces have intensified patrols on Lake Tanganyika since January 7.
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These patrols stretch from Kalemie through Baraka to Makobola in Fizi Territory. On the same day, about 2,000 coalition troops arrived at the port of Baraka aboard three boats, further reinforcing positions in the area.
Military Capabilities and Rising Tensions
The DRC government coalition reportedly possesses significant military assets, including reconnaissance drones, CH‑4 combat drones, Sukhoi‑25 fighter jets, Mi‑24 attack helicopters, and Mi‑8 transport helicopters. On January 9, more than 150 Burundian commandos were spotted arriving in Baraka before moving toward Makobola, reportedly on a mission targeting AFC/M23.
Leaders of the Wazalendo militias, including William Yakutumba, have openly declared their intent to drive AFC/M23 out of eastern DRC. In response, AFC/M23 Permanent Secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa warned on January 18 that any new attacks would be defeated, cautioning that international support for the coalition would not last forever.
