Reports suggest that the explosives used in today’s terror attack at Bukavu’s Independence Square may have originated from the Burundian Army (FDN). The blast, which struck a crowded area, killed over a dozen people and left many others injured, as authorities continue to gather details.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosives match those used by Burundian forces in their military operations in eastern DRC. M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa stated, “Initial findings at the crime scene indicate that the explosives used in this terrorist attack are the same as those deployed by the Burundian Army.”
The attack follows a secret meeting in Kinshasa last week between Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, raising speculation about Burundi’s direct involvement in the conflict. Over the past year, the two leaders have collectively overseen brutal military operations that have killed thousands of innocent Congolese civilians in eastern DRC, under the guise of battling M23. Their forces have bombed schools, health facilities, and entire villages, targeting communities with indiscriminate violence.
Eyewitnesses report that a suicide bomber, allegedly linked to the Congolese government, carried out the attack. “When General Byamungu Bernard called on young people to join the ARC, the terrorist prepared to detonate the bomb. Fortunately, our leaders were on the podium,” a source said. Security failures, including weak checkpoints and ignored intelligence reports, were also noted.
The M23 movement has condemned the attack as a crime against humanity, holding Kinshasa and its Burundian allies responsible.
Bukavu, located just three kilometers from Rwanda, was recently captured by M23, and residents had begun resuming normal life. However, this terror attack threatens to reignite tensions, with growing concerns over Burundi’s role in the escalating conflict.