Tensions are reportedly emerging in the cooperation between Burundi’s armed forces and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), following a failed attempt by Burundi’s special forces, known as UOS (Unités des Opérations Spéciales), to retake Point Zéro, a strategic area in the highlands of South Kivu.
Security sources say UOS troops were redeployed to the area in an attempt to return Point Zéro to the control of forces supporting the Kinshasa government.
Point Zéro is located in the Itombwe area, in the highlands of South Kivu.
The area is considered strategically important because of its position overlooking routes linking Minembwe, Mikenge, Mwenga and Fizi.
According to the reports, UOS troops, some of whom are commonly referred to as “Ibihunyira,” had planned an offensive against fighters controlling Point Zéro.
The operation was reportedly prepared in strict secrecy. UOS forces were expected to attack from one direction while FARDC troops launched an assault from the opposite side.
The objective was to attack the area simultaneously and catch the fighters controlling it off guard.
FARDC Forces Were Reportedly Missing From Their Expected Positions
However, when the operation began, reports indicate that Burundi’s troops found that the FARDC soldiers who were expected to attack from the other side were not in their assigned positions.
The development reportedly disrupted the operation and led to concerns over coordination between Burundi’s forces and FARDC.
Sources say the incident has contributed to disagreements and mistrust regarding the coordination of military operations between the two forces.
A Burundian soldier who spoke to the media on condition of anonymity said there were problems in cooperation with some FARDC units.
“We planned the operation on the basis that each side would attack from its assigned position. But when we began the assault, we found that those we expected to attack from the other side were not there,” the soldier said.
However, these reports have not been officially confirmed by either FARDC authorities or Burundi’s military leadership.
UOS Troops Had Previously Been Deployed to South Kivu
Reports also indicate that some UOS troops had previously been deployed to South Kivu during fighting in July.
At the time, UOS was reportedly among the forces involved in efforts to confront AFC/M23 fighters and allied armed groups.
Following the fighting, Burundian troops reportedly returned to their previous military positions.
There are also reports that some soldiers did not return to their positions after the clashes.
So far, however, neither the Burundian government nor the Congolese authorities have released figures on soldiers killed, wounded or missing in the fighting.
Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 Claim Control of Point Zéro
Point Zéro has remained an important area in the fighting in South Kivu.
In early July, Twirwaneho fighters, alongside AFC/M23, announced that they had taken control of Point Zéro following heavy fighting involving different forces.
At the time, various reports indicated that FARDC troops, Burundian forces and Wazalendo fighters who had positions in the area had withdrawn.
Fighting subsequently continued in different parts of the Hauts Plateaux, particularly in the territories of Fizi, Mwenga and Uvira.
Tensions Reported Between UOS and FARDC
The reported failure to retake Point Zéro is said to have contributed to tensions between UOS and FARDC, particularly over the coordination of military operations.
However, available information does not indicate that the two forces have begun fighting each other.
Instead, the reports point to possible disagreements, mistrust and coordination problems.
As of now, there has been no official statement confirming that UOS failed to retake Point Zéro or that a serious dispute has occurred between Burundi’s armed forces and FARDC.
Although there are reports that some soldiers may have been killed or wounded, no reliable figures have been released by the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, the struggle for control of Point Zéro and surrounding areas continues to be closely monitored, as the area remains strategically important to military operations in South Kivu.
Rwanda Tribune continues to follow developments surrounding the fighting and relations between Burundi’s armed forces, FARDC and Wazalendo.
By Mwizerwa Ally
Rwandatribune.rw
