Burundi Troop Withdrawal Amidst Rising Refugee Crisis from DR Congo

Burundi is rapidly withdrawing troops from the DRC as it faces a significant refugee crisis, with approximately 30,000 individuals crossing into Burundi amidst ongoing conflict with the M23 group. The situation raises concerns about regional instability and highlights humanitarian needs amid critical shortages for both soldiers and refugees.

Burundi has expedited the withdrawal of some of its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as reported by a senior military source to AFP. This decision comes amidst alarming reports from the United Nations indicating that Burundi is experiencing its largest influx of refugees in twenty-five years from its conflict-affected neighbor, DRC. The Rwandan-backed M23 group has made significant territorial gains in eastern DRC, prompting fears of regional instability.

The M23 group has reportedly advanced towards key strategic locations in the provinces of North and South Kivu, as stated by the United Nations. In light of these developments, a high-ranking military officer disclosed that the Burundian army is withdrawing troops stationed in DRC, although the exact number of troops being pulled back is not specified. Some soldiers have been dispatched to ensure the safe withdrawal of their comrades from an area in South Kivu.

Since October 2023, Burundi has deployed over 10,000 soldiers to support the Congolese forces against the M23 and other armed factions. However, reports indicate that Burundian troops are currently encountering critical resupply challenges, which they attribute to the disorganization of Congolese forces. An anonymous officer indicated that the soldiers are facing shortages of ammunition and food, leading to an untenable situation.

A record number of refugees are flooding into Burundi, marking the most significant refugee wave since the early 2000s. According to Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, a representative for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Burundi, approximately 30,000 individuals have crossed into Burundi in recent weeks due to the escalated violence in DRC. The Burundian government confirmed that around 10,000 people have entered the country, primarily fleeing the violence in Bukavu.

Desperate accounts from fleeing refugees underscore the dire conditions they have encountered. One refugee, Kitenge, recounted escaping with his family before the situation deteriorated further due to gunfire. Refugees have also expressed a dire need for humanitarian assistance, with some reporting a lack of food and shelter. A woman in her sixties lamented, “We have not had anything to eat,” highlighting the urgent need for support.

In response, Burundian Interior Minister Martin Niteretse announced plans to relocate refugees to eastern Burundi to ensure their safety and to grant them refugee status. The UNHCR noted that prior to this crisis, Burundi was already sheltering approximately 90,000 individuals, mainly from DRC, who had fled ongoing violence previously.

The escalation of conflict has raised alarms regarding a potential regional war reminiscent of the Second Congo War, which inflicted catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Bintou Keita, head of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in DRC, urged caution regarding M23’s advance and its implications for neighboring countries. The UN Secretary-General’s special envoy for the Great Lakes region, Huang Xia, reiterated the risks of regional conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention and intervention.

The situation in Burundi continues to evolve as the withdrawal of its troops from the DRC occurs amid a burgeoning refugee crisis. The influx of refugees is a significant humanitarian concern, with thousands seeking shelter and assistance as armed conflict escalates. The regional implications of the M23’s advance present a risk of broader instability in the Great Lakes area, demanding immediate global attention and support for those affected by the crisis.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr