On Tuesday, Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye awarded honors to three soldiers who served in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of Burundi’s military contribution supporting the Congolese army against the rebel group M23.
Burundi had deployed thousands of troops to support the DRC in its conflict with M23. Reports indicate that Burundi suffered heavy casualties in the battles in North Kivu since last year. Combined setbacks of FARDC, FDLR, SADC, and local militias allowed M23 to capture parts of North and South Kivu, notably the cities of Goma and Bukavu.
At a ceremony held on Tuesday at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura—marking Burundi’s 63rd Independence Day—President Ndayishimiye honored:
Captain Habarugira Aimable
Lieutenant Ndayisaba Richard
Corporal‑Chief Ningaza Richard
Each was awarded a medal; the captain and lieutenant received 4 million Burundian francs, while the corporal‑chief received 3 million.
The President praised their bravery, stating:
“These men represented our country. We sent them to fight the enemy before it entered our territory … They gave themselves fully; if we are at peace today, it’s because the enemy fears them. We must remember that Burundi must rise from humiliation.”
In addition, President Ndayishimiye honored Lieutenant‑Colonel Audace Mugisha of Burundi’s police, based in Kabarore Commune near the Rwanda border, for his role in combatting mineral and coffee smuggling. He received 5 million Burundian francs.
