BUJUMBURA, January 17th (ABP) – The Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB) through its spokesperson, Gaspard Baratuza, hosted a press briefing on Thursday, January 16, 2025, to deny the information circulating on social media tarnishing the image of Burundian soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in the DRC.
The FDNB spokesperson took the opportunity to inform national and international opinion that the Burundian soldiers deployed in the DRC as part of bilateral cooperation, are carrying out their duties with professionalism and without fail. Their performance is praised by the beneficiary people who go about their daily activities without fear. The FDNB condemns the authors of the messages of hatred and denigration of soldiers as well as the false figures of probable losses of human lives of soldiers deployed in the DRC, to demoralize the Burundian soldiers.
He explained that the images conveyed only aim to tarnish the image of the country and that most of them are not from the FDNB. The FDNB reminds the Burundian soldiers not to listen to the manipulators and that the only channel of military communication remains the command hierarchy. The FDNB reiterates its commitment to restore peace and stability wherever it is called upon to intervene.
During questions, journalists wanted to know the number of Burundian soldiers who have already lost their lives during the recent fighting that took place in the DRC and the process that follows. The FDNB spokesperson replied that the figures posted on social media are not true. If a Burundian soldier dies, their body is repatriated and their family is informed to come and participate in their burial.
Regarding the benefits drawn by Burundi through this bilateral cooperation between Burundi and the DRC, Baratuza replied that the common border between the two countries is secure. If peace and security reign, there is also the free movement of goods and people, and the business climate is improved.
Regarding the people who want to practice agricultural activities near the Mudubugu Camp, he underscored that it is forbidden to do so, explaining that it is a military domain reserved for military training activities.