The Burundian military has firmly rejected recent rumors circulating on social media, which claimed that hundreds of Burundian soldiers had lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In a press conference held on January 16, 2024, the military spokesperson, Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza, addressed these rumors, calling them false, exaggerated, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the military’s reputation.
“These claims are a fabrication and part of a broader agenda to manipulate public opinion,” Gen. Baratuza asserted. He emphasized that the soldiers currently stationed in the eastern DRC are carrying out their duties effectively, with professionalism and high morale. The military remains committed to its mission and continues to perform its tasks with precision and dedication, the spokesperson noted.
When asked about the death tolls being reported, Gen. Baratuza responded thoughtfully, stating that while the loss of any soldier is a tragedy, the claims of mass casualties are far from reality. “Even if only one soldier were to lose his life, it would be a loss for the nation. But these exaggerated numbers are intended to create fear and panic among the population,” he said.
Gen. Baratuza also addressed the spread of disturbing images online, which purportedly show dead Burundian soldiers. “These images are photoshopped, and they do not depict real people or real events,” he explained. “They are part of a smear campaign aimed at undermining the morale of our soldiers and the peace of our nation.”
The general went on to underscore the importance of unity and discipline within the ranks, urging all soldiers to disregard the rumors and focus on following the directives of their commanders. “We lost soldiers in Somalia, but there wasn’t much noise about it. Now, they claim 400 deaths. Could 400 Burundian soldiers die like that? You don’t know us. We are lions,” he said, proudly referencing the emblematic lion on the Burundian military beret.
The press conference concluded with a call to the public to remain vigilant and to avoid being swayed by misleading information that serves no purpose other than to sow division and fear.
