Burundian President and Commander-in-Chief Evariste Ndayishimiye has promoted four senior military officers to the rank of Major General, a move that highlights their growing influence within the country’s armed forces and comes at a time when regional security challenges remain a major concern.
The promotions were announced through a presidential decree signed on July 1, 2026, the same day Burundi marked its Independence Day celebrations. According to the decree, the decision followed a recommendation submitted by Minister of Defense Marie Chantal Nijimbere.
The officers elevated to the rank of Major General are Elie Ndizigiye, widely known as Muzinga and currently serving as Deputy Commander of the Land Forces; Venant Bibonimana, Commander of the Naval Forces; Hermalas Ndabarinze, Commander of the Air Force; and Gregoire Ndorarigonya, Inspector General at the Ministry of Defense.
Among the newly promoted officers, Muzinga stands out because of his prominent role in Burundi’s military operations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Over the past years, he became one of the most closely watched Burundian commanders due to his involvement in combat operations in North Kivu.
He notably commanded Burundian troops deployed in areas such as Masisi, where intense fighting took place against M23 forces. During some of the most difficult phases of the campaign, reports indicated that morale within sections of the deployed troops had deteriorated as battles intensified.
In response, Muzinga reportedly told soldiers unwilling to continue fighting that they could return home, while those prepared to remain on the battlefield would continue operations. Several troops subsequently returned to Burundi with logistical assistance.
However, reports later emerged that some of those who went back were detained upon arrival in Bujumbura for allegedly violating military directives.
Despite efforts to reorganize and strengthen frontline units, the military situation continued to evolve rapidly. M23 forces expanded their control across several strategic areas, eventually pushing Burundian troops out of parts of North Kivu.
The conflict later shifted further south, affecting South Kivu and eventually reaching Bukavu and surrounding territories. Following a series of military setbacks, Burundian forces withdrew from Bukavu and neighboring areas, concentrating their presence in other parts of South Kivu.
Today, Burundian troops remain active in parts of South Kivu, particularly around Minembwe, a strategically significant commune located at the intersection of the Uvira, Fizi and Mwenga territories. The area continues to be one of the most sensitive security zones in eastern Congo.
The promotion of Muzinga and three other senior officers is widely viewed as a sign of confidence from President Ndayishimiye’s administration. It also reflects an effort to reinforce the military command structure at a time when security developments in the Great Lakes region continue to shape national and regional priorities.
Military observers believe the appointments could strengthen operational leadership within Burundi’s armed forces and position the newly promoted generals to play a larger role in addressing future security challenges both within Burundi and across the wider region.
