Burundi is withdrawing troops from DR Congo amid a refugee crisis, with over 30,000 individuals fleeing violence, particularly due to the advancing M23 group. The United Nations raised alarms over the risk of regional conflict, while many refugees find themselves in dire conditions without essential aid. The Burundian government plans to relocate refugees for their safety as tensions continue to escalate in the region.
Burundi has expedited the withdrawal of some of its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) as it faces a significant influx of refugees, the largest in 25 years, according to a senior military official speaking to AFP. This decision comes amid escalating violence in eastern DR Congo, primarily due to the Rwandan-backed M23 group seizing control of key cities like Goma and Bukavu, raising alarms within the UN Security Council about the potential for regional conflict.
The United Nations reported that M23 continues to advance in North and South Kivu, threatening further territorial gains. A Burundian military officer confirmed that troop extraction from DR Congo has been initiated, with one battalion dispatched to assist this process, although the precise number of withdrawn soldiers remains unspecified. Burundian forces have been deployed in support of the Congolese army against multiple armed groups but are now facing significant resupply challenges attributed to the disarray of Congolese forces.
The refugee crisis has intensified significantly, with UNHCR representatives reporting that approximately 30,000 people have fled into Burundi recently, marking the highest refugee influx since the early 2000s. Many individuals cross daily, fleeing violence, particularly following the M23’s advances near the Burundian border. One refugee recounted fleeing with his family amid widespread gunfire, highlighting the dire circumstances prompting this exodus.
Upon arrival in Burundi, refugees face dire conditions. One elderly woman described the lack of food and shelter as they sleep outdoors, pleading for assistance to avoid starvation and illness. The Burundian government has announced plans to relocate these refugees to eastern regions for their safety and ensure they receive refugee status.
Prior to the escalation, Burundi was already hosting approximately 90,000 refugees, primarily from the DRC due to previous conflicts. Additionally, around 500 Congolese soldiers and police were reported to have crossed into Burundi but were subsequently disarmed and searched. Concerns persist about the potential for renewed large-scale conflict in the region, reminiscent of the devastating Second Congo War that occurred from 1998 to 2003.
Bintou Keita, head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, and Huang Xia, the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy, both expressed grave concerns regarding M23’s actions and the increasing risk of regional turmoil. The United States has also imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister due to his support for the M23, amidst Rwanda’s denial of any involvement in the conflict, attributing the unrest to threats from Hutu fighters in the DRC.
The situation in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo is critical, with the withdrawal of Burundian troops and a significant increase in refugee numbers due to escalating violence from M23 forces. The refugee influx has reached alarming levels, necessitating immediate humanitarian response, while the regional stability remains at risk as stakeholders grapple with the potential for renewed conflict reminiscent of the past. Efforts by the Burundian government to accommodate and ensure the safety of refugees will be crucial in averting a humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
