Burundi Troops Withdraw from DR Congo Amid Rising Refugee Crisis

Burundi has accelerated troop withdrawals from DR Congo amid rising refugee numbers due to escalating conflict involving M23 rebels. Approximately 30,000 refugees have crossed into Burundi recently, facing severe shortages of food and shelter. UN officials are concerned about the risk of regional conflict, reminiscent of the devastating Second Congo War, as tensions continue to rise.

Burundi has expedited the withdrawal of troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid a worrying increase in refugees from the conflict-stricken region. A senior military figure confirmed to AFP that the Burundian army’s extraction of soldiers from Rusizi plain has commenced as M23 rebel forces make significant advances in eastern DRC, threatening to escalate regional tensions.

Since October 2023, Burundi has dispatched over 10,000 soldiers to support Congolese forces contending with the M23 and other militias. However, the situation has turned dire for Burundian troops on the ground, facing severe resupply challenges and shortages of ammunition and food, prompting concerns regarding their operational capacity.

A significant number of refugees, estimated to be about 30,000, have fled from DRC to Burundi, marking the largest influx seen since the early 2000s. Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, UNHCR representative in Burundi, highlighted that the flow of individuals seeking refuge continues unabated, compounding humanitarian pressures within the country.

Accounts from refugees reveal harrowing experiences. Kitenge, a motorbike taxi rider, recounted fleeing with his family to escape escalating violence. Additionally, elderly refugees have reported dire conditions, lacking essentials such as food and shelter, and are calling for urgent aid.

Burundi’s Interior Minister Martin Niteretse announced plans to temporarily relocate refugees to eastern Burundi for safety and to grant them formal refugee status. Prior to this recent crisis, Burundi had already been hosting around 90,000 Congolese refugees fleeing past conflicts.

UN officials have expressed alarm regarding the M23 advances towards strategic junctions near the borders of DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. With fears of renewed large-scale conflict resembling the Second Congo War, heightened vigilance and coordinated support are essential to mitigate the situation. The United States has initiated sanctions against Rwandan officials allegedly involved in the conflict, although Rwanda denies any involvement and claims to be combating threats from armed groups operating within DRC.

The situation between Burundi and the DRC is escalating, with intensified troop withdrawals and a significant refugee influx due to the advancing M23 rebels. The humanitarian crisis is deepening as refugees arrive in Burundi lacking essential resources, prompting government intervention to ensure their safety. Regional stability is at risk as tensions continue to mount, necessitating coordinated international efforts to address the conflict.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr