Tension is growing inside the Burundian army. Even though leaders do not talk about it openly, it is clear that since 2023 when President Évariste Ndayishimiye sent soldiers to fight the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo fear has spread among soldiers, from the lowest ranks to top commanders.
After a big defeat in Masisi, North Kivu Province, many soldiers refused to fight again. Some ran away from the army, while hundreds were arrested in Bujumbura and other areas for refusing to follow orders.
Official documents from January 2, 2023, to August 29, 2025, show that more than 30 officers left the army. President Ndayishimiye then signed decisions to remove them from the military.
Among them are 14 senior officers, including nine Colonels: Col. Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver, Lt. Col. Barikore Alexis, Lt. Col. Nindereye Angelus, Lt. Col. Nkurunziza Willy, Lt. Col. Habarugira Diomède, Lt. Col. Ndikumagenge Apollinaire, Lt. Col. Nahimana Daphrose, Lt. Col. Ndayishimiye Jean Baptiste, and Lt. Col. Hatungimana Philbert.
The most recent officer to be removed was Lt. Col. Nindereye Angelus (military ID: SSO813) on June 11, 2025. The highest-ranking one, Col. Nizigiyimana Pierre Claver (ID: SS0274), was dismissed on April 8, 2025.
Other officers with the rank of Major also deserted, such as Maj. Nkengurutse Melance (February 21, 2025), Maj. Nkeshimana Eddy Germain (November 19, 2024), Maj. Ndizeye Ildephonse, Maj. Ntakabanyura Eric, and Maj. Ntungwanayo Alphonse (December 13, 2023).
In addition, 13 Captains and 4 Lieutenants also left the Burundian army.
