Burundi is hastening troop withdrawals from the DRC amid an influx of refugees due to increasing conflict with M23 fighters. UN officials report the situation is dire, with thousands fleeing into Burundi. Refugees face significant shortages of food and shelter, prompting governmental efforts to relocate them for safety. The potential for regional conflict escalation raises alarms following recent military advancements by M23.
Burundi has initiated a swift withdrawal of some of its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid escalating conflict, which has led to a significant influx of refugees from the DRC, the largest observed in 25 years. The United Nations has alerted that Rwanda-backed M23 fighters have captured key eastern DRC cities, prompting concerns regarding regional conflict escalation.
A senior military source disclosed that the Burundi military is extracting soldiers from the Rusizi plain in DRC. Though the exact number of withdrawn troops was not disclosed, one battalion has been deployed to assist in the withdrawal operation. The troops have reportedly faced critical resupply challenges, attributing the difficulties to disorganization within the Congolese forces, leading to shortages of ammunition and food for the soldiers.
Thousands of refugees have fled to Burundi due to the escalating violence, marking the highest refugee influx since the early 2000s. According to Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, a representative from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), approximately 30,000 individuals have crossed into Burundi recently, as many continue to arrive daily. “People are still pouring in by the thousands every day,” she stated.
Refugees, such as a motorbike taxi rider named Kitenge, described fleeing due to indiscriminate gunfire from armed groups. They expressed urgent concerns about lack of basic necessities and shelter. A woman in her sixties recounted their dire situation, begging for assistance due to inadequate food and healthcare provisions for those suffering illness.
Burundi’s Interior Minister Martin Niteretse announced plans to relocate refugees to eastern regions of the country to ensure their safety, granting them official refugee status. Prior to this resurgence in conflict, Burundi was already home to around 90,000 refugees, primarily from the DRC due to ongoing violence in the region.
Concerns regarding further regional instability were raised by Bintou Keita, head of the UN’s DRC peacekeeping mission, indicating the M23’s approach to the border intersections of the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. UN Secretary-General’s special envoy Huang Xia warned the escalating conflict increased the risk of a regional conflagration, reminiscent of the catastrophic Second Congo War.
In recent developments, the United States imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister for alleged support of M23, while Rwanda has consistently denied involvement, citing its own security concerns regarding Hutu fighters operating in the DRC.
The situation in Burundi and the DRC is marked by escalating conflict, prompting an urgent humanitarian response to accommodate a growing tide of refugees. With the withdrawal of Burundi troops and concerns raised by international bodies about further regional instability, the urgency for addressing the humanitarian crisis remains critical. The actions taken by both Burundi and the international community will be pivotal in mitigating the ongoing violence and ensuring the safety of displaced populations.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
