A surge of military cargo flights in and out of Bujumbura International Airport has sparked speculation about Burundi’s growing role in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) conflict-ridden east. Under increasing pressure from the M23 rebellion and other insurgent groups, Kinshasa and its ally Gitega appear to have quietly transformed Bujumbura into a strategic hub for moving reinforcements, weapons, and logistical supplies to the volatile frontlines.
A Covert Air Bridge ,Over the past weeks, residents near Bujumbura’s airport have reported unusual night activity, including the roar of cargo aircraft landing and taking off at irregular hours. Airport staff and regional intelligence sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, describe an uptick in military flights that do not appear on public flight radars.
According to regional security analysts, the airport has become a discreet staging ground for weapons shipments, ammunition stockpiles, and the rotation of soldiers heading toward eastern Congo. This arrangement helps Kinshasa avoid relying solely on Goma, which remains vulnerable due to the proximity of rebel strongholds.
Burundi’s Involvement in Congo’s War ,Burundi, a long-time ally of the DRC government, already has troops deployed under a bilateral security agreement with President Félix Tshisekedi. Officially, Burundi’s military presence is meant to secure border areas and curb the flow of armed groups. Unofficially, however, Gitega is accused of providing more direct assistance to Kinshasa’s war effort against M23, which is backed by Rwanda according to UN and U.S. reports.
“Burundi is positioning itself as Tshisekedi’s reliable partner,” said a Great Lakes political analyst. “By turning its airport into a discreet logistics hub, it helps the Congolese army sustain its campaign in areas where ground supply routes are increasingly insecure.”
Regional Tensions Rising ,The mysterious flights risk deepening tensions in a region already marked by mistrust. Rwanda, which denies supporting M23, has accused Burundi of siding too openly with Kinshasa. Meanwhile, Ugandan officials are watching closely, as their own troops are also deployed in eastern DRC under a separate agreement.
Western diplomats have expressed concern that the covert military flights could further internationalize the conflict. “The Great Lakes is becoming a chessboard of proxy wars,” one European envoy in Kinshasa noted. “Every new cargo plane landing in Bujumbura raises questions about escalation.”
Kinshasa’s Urgency ,For President Tshisekedi, the discreet airlift is part of a broader survival strategy. With elections behind him but insecurity persisting, he is under immense pressure to demonstrate control over eastern Congo. The resurgence of M23, which has captured territory near Goma, threatens not only stability but also the credibility of his leadership.
The use of Bujumbura airport allows Kinshasa to bypass overstretched supply lines from Kinshasa to Goma and ensures a steady flow of reinforcements. Analysts suggest that without such an air bridge, the Congolese army would struggle to maintain its positions.
A Shadowy Future ,Neither Kinshasa nor Gitega has publicly acknowledged the increased use of Bujumbura for military operations. Official statements continue to emphasize “regional cooperation for peace.” Yet the growing evidence of clandestine flights suggests a quiet but significant escalation in the war’s logistics.
As long as rebel pressure continues in eastern Congo, the skies over Bujumbura are likely to remain busy with unmarked cargo planes a reminder that the DRC’s war is drawing its neighbors ever deeper into its vortex.
