The bodies of Burundian soldiers recovered from fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have continued to be a hot topic in the region, following reports that many soldiers have been killed in action and allegations that precious metals may be smuggled into Burundi using coffins used to transport the bodies of those killed in action.
The news has been circulating on various websites and Burundian news channels, with some suggesting that a method is being used to hide gold and other precious metals from eastern Congo.
In recent days, information has been circulated by various websites, based on what they say is Burundian information, that there are new tactics being used to smuggle precious metals from the Democratic Republic of Congo into Burundi.
The bodies of FDNB soldiers killed in fighting in eastern DRC may be being used as a conduit for transporting gold and other precious metals, the report said. According to the report, some leaders or those in charge of transporting bodies are using coffins containing the bodies of fallen soldiers to smuggle the precious metals, thus avoiding border controls.
The sources say that this route is used to smuggle unregistered and illegal minerals, a practice widely seen as a way to siphon off Congo’s natural resources and trade them illegally.
The allegations come as Burundian troops continue to operate in eastern DRC to support the FARDC in its fight against armed groups operating in North and South Kivu. In areas including Minembwe and elsewhere, there are ongoing reports of heavy fighting, with various reports stating that many Burundian soldiers have been killed in action, and their bodies have been sent to Burundi.
Analysts say that these allegations highlight a serious problem of natural resource embezzlement and the use of military operations for the benefit of the smuggling trade. It also highlights the problem of governance and use of mineral resources in the Great Lakes region.
Some also link this information to what has been revealed by non-governmental organizations, including OLUCOME, which once said that there are many tons of gold, coltan and gas passing through Burundi to international markets including Dubai, but the money from which they come is not properly reflected in the state treasury. According to some who are closely following this issue, this could be a sign that there are major smuggling networks that continue to operate in secret.
While these issues continue to cause controversy, various reports continue to indicate that the Burundian military, FDNB, has continued to lose many soldiers in the fighting taking place in eastern DRC.
Burundian troops were sent to that country to assist the Congolese government forces, FARDC, in operations against armed groups operating in North and South Kivu.
The fighting took place in various areas including Uvira, Minembwe, Bibokoboko and elsewhere, with heavy losses reported on various sides.
Information from various media outlets and human rights activists indicates that the Kamenge military hospital in Bujumbura continued to receive many wounded and the bodies of soldiers killed in the battle.
There are also reports that the burial of some soldiers killed in Congo is being carried out in strict secrecy, something some analysts say may be related to preventing the true number of those killed in the battle from becoming public.
The Burundian government and its military rarely release detailed figures on the number of soldiers killed in these military operations.
On the other hand, various sources have continued to report that some Burundian soldiers have been taken prisoner in the fighting in eastern Congo. There are also reports that some soldiers have expressed concern about being sent to the war, and some have even been punished after failing to comply with combat orders.
Analysts say that the ongoing war in eastern DRC continues to have a serious impact on many countries in the region. In addition to the loss of lives of soldiers and civilians, the problem of insecurity continues to disrupt the economy, trade and social life of the population.
Allegations that precious metals are being smuggled into Burundi hidden in the coffins of soldiers have raised questions about the management of Congo’s natural resources and the role of those who continue to profit from the years-long war that has ravaged the country’s east.
The issue continues to generate intense interest and debate in Burundi, Congo, and the region. However, the war continues to claim many lives, while the population continues to yearn for lasting peace and security that can end years of conflict and killings.
