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Escalating Conflict Forces Refugees to Risk Lives for Safety in Burundi

As violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo intensifies, many individuals are making treacherous decisions to flee the dangers posed by advancing rebel forces. One such person, Jordan Bita, chose to wade through wilderness rather than take the main roads, where rebel groups could easily recruit individuals for combat.

At just 25 years old, Bita opted for a perilous swim across the turbulent Rusizi River, which delineates the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi. Clutching a bag containing his few possessions, he navigated the river’s strong currents during his escape, which has become increasingly urgent as M23 rebels have captured significant urban centers, including Goma and Bukavu, in rapid succession.

“I managed to flee safely… because I was crossing through the forest and moving along the bushes instead of the main road,” Bita recounted after reaching the Burundian shore, wiping the water from his face. “M23 fighters are everywhere, and they are forcing us to join them to fight against the government.”

In the north-west Cibitoke province, Burundian troops are stationed along the riverbank, overseeing the influx of nearly 70,000 displaced individuals who have sought refuge in Burundi over the past month as clashes continue to escalate in the DRC. The fall of Goma in January and Bukavu in February has led many to reassess their safety.

Multiple Crossings for Refuge

Individuals attempting to cross the Rusizi often make repeated journeys to transport belongings and essential supplies. Upon arrival, Bita’s belongings were rigorously inspected by Burundian military personnel, who prohibited any weapons. After passing through, he made the long trek up a steep hill to a nearby refugee camp located approximately 12 kilometers away in Rugombo, carrying vital food items like maize meal, peanuts, and beans for his family already settled at a makeshift camp in the local football stadium.

Another fleeing individual, Amani Sebakungu, emerged from the river visibly shaken. “In the river, you just have to take heart and say if I die or survive, so be it. God willed I crossed safely,” he expressed. As reporters interviewed him, the Burundian military urged immediate evacuation of the area due to the presence of M23 rebels spotted on the opposite riverbank.

The perilous journey isn’t solely marked by the dangers of crossing the river. Tragically, more than 20 individuals have perished while attempting to swim the 300 meters across the river in recent weeks, with many more deaths likely unreported. One survivor, Clarice Kacindi, recounted losing her three-year-old child during a precarious crossing attempt just days prior. “When we reached the middle of the river, the raft broke into two and my child was swept away,” she said in anguish.

Amid the growing crisis, hundreds of white tents have sprung up in the stadium to accommodate the incoming refugees, although conditions remain dire. With up to 25 individuals sharing a single tent and food limited to one meal a day, the situation is strained.

Further south, at the main border crossing in Gatumba, the flow of refugees into Burundi continues unabated. Traditionally a bustling trade route, the site has now transformed into a crucial passage mostly for those fleeing, notably women and children. Reports indicate that men are being discouraged from crossing, as local officials compel them to stay behind to assist with defense operations in Uvira against the advancing M23.

The armed conflict is compounded by historical tensions in the region, with Burundi’s government expressing concerns that the M23’s consolidation of power in South Kivu could embolden Burundian rebel factions. With over 10,000 Burundian troops currently deployed in the DRC, the stakes are undeniably high.

“It is terrible for Burundi. This is the first time in more than 20 years that the country is receiving such a significant number of refugees,” stated Brigitte Mukanga-Eno from the UN refugee agency. She emphasized the urgent need for support to ensure that the influx does not lead to tensions between refugees and host communities.

Many of the fleeing families carry haunting stories. Eighty-seven-year-old Magega Mwarui, who has navigated numerous conflicts, reflected on her experiences, stating, “Since I was young… There’ve been times where I almost drowned while fleeing conflict.” Others, like Charlotte Odile, find their lives irreversibly altered; she arrived in Burundi after her husband’s murder, harboring hopes for stability and a future for her children.

As local and international communities grapple with the unfolding crisis, the humanitarian implications grow more pronounced each day, with refugees seeking safety amidst a backdrop of renewed violence and fear.

Source
www.bbc.com