Between 80 and 120 injured soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and Wazalendo militiamen are currently receiving treatment at Tanganyika Hospital in Bujumbura. The hospital began admitting the first injured individuals around the end of the week of July 10, with reports indicating a steady influx since that time. These casualties have arrived from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation where various armed groups are actively engaged in conflict. Their significant presence at Tanganyika Hospital has reportedly strained the facility's resources and has led to growing grievances among local patients seeking medical care. The specific number of injured individuals, fluctuating between 80 and 120, represents a substantial burden for a private medical institution.
Hospital Overwhelmed by Congolese Wounded
Tanganyika Hospital, a private facility, is specifically located in the Nyabugete neighborhood, which is part of the Mugere commune, situated south of Bujumbura. This geographical detail shows the logistical challenges and the specific routes taken by the injured to reach the hospital. Medical staff at the hospital are reportedly prioritizing the care of these injured Congolese personnel, a situation that is directly causing delays and extended waiting times for other patients, according to multiple reports from within the community and from affected individuals. The injured individuals are transported to Tanganyika Hospital after undertaking a perilous journey, crossing Lake Tanganyika, primarily under the cover of night. They typically disembark at the 'Olympic' fishing port, also conveniently located within the Nyabugete neighborhood, facilitating their transfer to the hospital. This clandestine mode of transport further notes the sensitive nature of their arrival and treatment.
The influx of casualties coincides with recent strategic gains made by various armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Twirwaneho armed group, primarily composed of Banyamulenge fighters and known for its alliance with the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23, has successfully taken strategic positions in the region, intensifying the conflict. The AFC/M23 itself controls several key areas in both North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, having established its operational headquarters in Goma. The ongoing clashes in these regions are directly contributing to the flow of injured personnel seeking medical attention across the border.
Calls for Transfer and Government Funding
The significant presence of foreign military personnel and militiamen has prompted patients and local residents to request their transfer from Tanganyika Hospital. These calls advocate for their relocation either to the Kamenge military hospital, a facility better equipped for military casualties, or for their complete repatriation to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Serious allegations suggest that the Burundian government is entirely covering all costs associated with the medical care for these injured individuals, raising questions about financial transparency and resource allocation. The Kamenge military hospital is reportedly already accommodating numerous Burundian soldiers who sustained injuries while engaged in operations in eastern DRC, indicating a pre-existing strain on military medical facilities. The potential for the government to be funding the care of foreign combatants adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Unverified reports claim that General Prime Niyongabo, who serves as the chief of staff of the Burundian National Defence Force (FDNB), is either the owner or a principal shareholder of Tanganyika Hospital. If true, this connection could explain the alleged prioritization of Congolese casualties and the reported government funding for their treatment, raising potential conflict of interest concerns. A significant portion of Burundian soldiers was repatriated in December 2025, following extensive military operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prior to this large-scale repatriation, the Burundian army had redeployed troops to the Rusizi plain and experienced substantial losses before the capture of Uvira in December 2025, indicating the intensity of their involvement in the conflict.
Broader Regional Military Involvement
Burundi deployed a substantial force of over 29,000 soldiers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between August 2022 and December 2025, according to a detailed internal report from the Congolese Ministry of Interior. This deployment shows the depth of Burundi's military engagement in the neighboring country. Burundi remains actively engaged in military operations in eastern DRC, fighting alongside the FARDC and Wazalendo against the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23). These intense clashes have been concentrated in the territories of Mwenga and Fizi, both located within the strategically important South Kivu Highlands, and have continued for several months, contributing to the ongoing instability and the flow of casualties.
The M23 rebel group, which resumed armed conflict in late 2021 after a period of dormancy, is now fully integrated into the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), a broader alliance led by Corneille Nangaa. Rebels took control of the key city of Goma in late January 2025, marking a significant strategic victory for the AFC/M23. Both Burundian and Congolese authorities have consistently accused neighboring Rwanda of providing significant support to the AFC/M23, further escalating regional tensions. UN expert reports published in 2025 indicated the presence of an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 Rwandan soldiers operating alongside the AFC/M23, corroborating these accusations. The city of Bukavu, another vital urban center, was taken by the rebels in mid-February 2025, demonstrating the rapid and effective advances made by the AFC/M23 coalition.