Kagame Accuses Burundi: 20,000 Troops Attacking Civilians in DR Congo

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has directly accused Burundi of worsening the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He stated that over 20,000 Burundian soldiers are now operating in the region. Kagame said these troops are deployed in Congo's North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. He alleges they are actively attacking civilians there. The eastern DRC has suffered decades of violence involving many armed groups. Several neighboring countries have sent troops into the area recently, often citing security concerns. This public accusation marks a significant escalation in rhetoric between Rwanda and Burundi. It raises fears of a broader regional conflict.