Burundi has accelerated troop withdrawals from the DRC due to increasing violence as M23 fighters advance, resulting in the largest refugee influx in 25 years. Over 30,000 refugees have fled to Burundi, facing dire humanitarian conditions. Concerns about escalating conflict draw international attention, with the U.S. imposing sanctions on Rwanda for its involvement.
Burundi has expedited its troop withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid a surge of refugees fleeing escalating violence. According to a senior military official, Burundi’s military has redirected efforts to extract its soldiers stationed along the Rusizi plain, coping with severe supply shortages related to the disorganization of Congolese forces.
Since October 2023, over 10,000 Burundian soldiers were deployed to assist the Congolese army against the Rwandan-backed M23 fighters, who have taken control of strategic cities like Goma and Bukavu. The withdrawal is a response to ongoing clashes and the precarious conditions faced by Burundian forces on the ground, who are reportedly lacking basic provisions such as food and ammunition.
The recent conflict has prompted “the largest number of refugees that Burundi has seen since the beginning of the 2000s,” as stated by Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, the UNHCR representative in Burundi. Approximately 30,000 individuals have crossed into Burundi, fleeing violence primarily in the DRC, particularly after the M23’s advance towards Bukavu, which is close to the Burundian border.
Many refugees share harrowing accounts of their flight from violence, such as a young motorbike taxi rider who escaped with his family amidst chaotic gunfire. Refugees are experiencing dire conditions upon arrival, with some lacking food, shelter, and basic necessities, raising concerns for their health and safety.
Burundi’s Interior Minister, Martin Niteretse, announced plans to relocate refugees to eastern Burundi to ensure their safety and provide them with refugee status. Burundi already hosted around 90,000 Congolese refugees prior to this latest influx due to ongoing instability in the DRC.
The situation remains critical as additional security personnel, including Congolese soldiers, have arrived at the border. Bintou Keita, head of MONUSCO, voiced concerns regarding the continued advance of M23 fighters, which threaten a wider regional conflict. The UN has cautioned that the risk of a larger war, reminiscent of the devastating Second Congo War, is imminent if the violence escalates further.
In response to the conflict, the United States has imposed sanctions on Rwandan government official James Kabarebe for his alleged support of M23. The complexity of the conflict, characterized by tensions between Rwanda and ethnic groups in the DRC, exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation.
In summary, Burundi is witnessing an unprecedented influx of refugees due to escalating violence in the DRC, leading to significant troop withdrawals by Burundian forces amid supply shortages. Reports indicate dire humanitarian conditions for newly arrived refugees. The potential for regional conflict remains high as fighting continues, with international responses, including sanctions, highlighting the urgency of addressing this crisis.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
