In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, individuals like Jordan Bita are risking their lives to flee conscription by M23 rebels, swimming across the dangerous Rusizi River into Burundi. This wave of refugees has reached nearly 70,000 in just a month, facing harsh conditions in makeshift camps. Tragically, many have drowned during their escape, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis fueled by escalating conflict in the region.
Jordan Bita, a 25-year-old man from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), took a perilous swim across the Rusizi River to escape conscription by M23 rebels. Despite the raging currents, Bita clung to a bag of his possessions, navigating his way to safety in Burundi as the conflict escalated with the recent capture of Goma and Bukavu. He reported avoiding main roads, which were monitored by rebels demanding conscription for their cause.
Almost 70,000 people have crossed into Burundi to escape the advancing M23 forces, which are backed by Rwanda. Burundian troops are stationed along the riverbanks to monitor the influx and ensure that no weapons cross into their territory. Bita carried essential supplies back to his family, who were already in a refugee camp at the town’s football stadium.
A fellow refugee, Amani Sebakungu, expressed the life-threatening nature of their escape, noting, “In the river, you just have to take heart and say if I die or survive so be it. God willed I crossed safely.” As the local military urged the media to vacate the area due to rebel presence, the danger for those attempting the river crossing became increasingly apparent.
Tragically, many refugees have drowned in their attempts to swim across the river, with at least 20 reported deaths in recent weeks. One survivor, Clarice Kacindi, recounted the heartbreaking loss of her three-year-old child during a crossing when the raft capsized. She lamented the devastation caused by the M23 rebels, stating, “M23 are making our lives very difficult. They must stop this war.”
In the refugee camps, conditions are harsh, with many families sharing tents and receiving limited food. The main border post at Gatumba is overwhelmed with refugees, predominantly women and children, as men remain in Uvira to defend against M23 threats. Burundi has deployed troops to assist DR Congo, fearing the implications of a strengthened M23 presence on their own national security.
Despite their shared geographical and cultural similarities, Burundi and Rwanda maintain a fraught relationship, driven by historical ethnic conflicts. Officials from the UN refugee agency highlighted the unprecedented influx of refugees into Burundi, stressing the need for support to prevent tensions between refugees and host communities. Survivors like Magega Mwarui and Charlotte Odile recounted their harrowing experiences of repeated displacement and loss due to ongoing conflicts, underscoring the urgency for humanitarian assistance.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo has forced thousands to flee, risking their lives to escape conscription by M23 rebels. The harrowing journey across the Rusizi River presents life-threatening challenges, with numerous drownings reported. Refugees face severe conditions in camps, and the situation calls for increased humanitarian support to both aid the refugees and stabilize the affected regions. As the conflict escalates, the implications for regional security and humanitarian needs remain critical.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
