Terrorist group profiles
The purpose of this briefing series is to inform readers on the basics of little-known terrorist groups. Information will be gathered from reputable sources and include the nature of the group’s ideology, its area of activity, strength (if known) and a list of recent (within the last five years) actions. Borealis hopes that readers will be in a position to learn more about the international terrorism landscape.
Group name – RED Tabara Group. From the French Resistance pour un Etat de Droit a Burundi (Resistance for a state based on rule of law in Burundi). Founded in 2015. The former leader was Melchiade Biremba, although it is now headed by Alexis Sinduhije. The group opposes the current Burundian regime and has been in existence since 2011, gaining strength in 2015. The government of Burundi has labeled it a terrorist organisation and believes it receives help from Rwanda (which denies the accusation).
Ideology – opposes current Burundi government
Area of activity – carries out attacks in Burundi, has a presence in the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Strength – 500-800 fighters
Latest attacks: 2023 12 23 – attack on Vugizo, killing 20; 2021 09 21 – attack on Bujumbura, killing 5 and wounding 50, RPG fired at Bujumbura Airport killing 2; 2020 09 18 – attack in western Burundi, claims to have killed 28 soldiers and police and 15 militia members, and injured 40
Sources
Nouveau mouvement armé au Burundi – DW – 18/01/2016
Burundi Military Kills 14 Rwandan Armed Red Tabara Rebels – GLPOST
Burundi accuses Rwanda of backing rebel group | Nation
Rebel attack in West Burundi kills 20, state says – The East African
Rebel attack in western Burundi kills at least 20 (msn.com)
Rebel attack in western Burundi kills at least 20 (garoweonline.com)
\Burundi: Victims of the rebel attack in Gatumba buried amid tears | Africanews
Burundi grenade blasts kill at least five, injures 50 | Reuters
Burundi probes grenade blasts, pledges to stamp out ‘terrorists’ | News | Al Jazeera
Burundi Rebel Group Claims Attacks in New Offensive (voanews.com)
