In eastern DR Congo, men face conscription by M23 rebels, prompting many to risk their lives by swimming across the Rusizi river into Burundi. This flight has resulted in nearly 70,000 refugees in a month, with tragic incidents of drowning and the loss of family members while escaping violence. Burundian troops monitor the crossings as humanitarian conditions deteriorate for those fleeing conflict, raising concerns over regional stability.
In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Jordan Bita, 25, opted to swim across the perilous Rusizi river to escape conscription by rebels instead of facing recruitment into combat. He survived by traversing through forests and avoiding main roads infested with M23 fighters, who are pressuring locals to join their fight against the government. Bita eventually reached Burundian shores, where thousands are fleeing escalating violence as the M23 rebels capture key urban areas like Goma and Bukavu.
The M23 insurgents have forced nearly 70,000 Congolese to seek refuge in Burundi, with Burundian troops patrolling the riverbank to monitor crossings. The military inspects fleeing individuals for weapons, as many families bring essential supplies like maize and peanuts to sustain relatives already in refugee camps. Among the fleeing population, Amani Sebakungu described the dire situation in the river, emphasizing the inherent dangers faced as they attempt to escape.
Amidst the river’s strong currents, at least 20 have drowned in recent weeks while crossing its 300 meters span. One refugee, Clarice Kacindi, recounted the tragic loss of her child who was swept away in a broken raft during their crossing. She expressed despair over the destruction caused by the M23, which has disrupted their lives significantly and left them with nothing to return to.
Approximately 25 individuals are being housed in white tents at a makeshift stadium in Rugombo, while receiving limited food, often only one meal a day. The border post between DRC and Burundi is busier than ever, with women and children predominantly crossing as men are reportedly instructed to stay behind in Uvira to resist the M23 rise. This situation reflects the increased military activity in the region, particularly with Burundi deploying troops to assist DRC against the insurgents.
Relationship tensions between Burundi and Rwanda exacerbate the plight, as both nations accuse the other of harboring rebel factions with intentions to destabilize their governments. The situation is precarious for Burundi, which is receiving its highest number of refugees in over two decades, and officials stress the need for adequate resources for both the newcomers and local communities to prevent conflict.
Eighty-seven-year-old Magega Mwarui, who has bared witness to decades of turmoil, shared her experiences of fleeing across the river with minimal possessions. The persistent cycle of violence and displacement highlights the severe humanitarian crisis affecting many in the region, as countless individuals like Charlotte Odile, who fled after losing her husband to violence, seek safety and stability for their families.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo has led to a significant refugee crisis, especially in Burundi, where thousands are fleeing from the M23 rebels. The treacherous journey across the Rusizi river poses life-threatening challenges. As the refugee population swells, the need for adequate support systems in Burundi is critical to avert potential strife between refugees and host communities. The regional tensions between Burundi and Rwanda add another layer of complexity to this humanitarian emergency.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
