Men Drown in Fear: DRC Refugees Risk Lives to Escape Rebel Conscription

The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led to a mass exodus of citizens fleeing conscription by M23 rebels. Individuals, including Jordan Bita and Clarice Kacindi, have taken dangerous routes across rivers, risking drowning. Refugees now face dire conditions in Burundi camps, where resources are scarce. The situation reveals underlying ethnic tensions and highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), men like Jordan Bita face dire choices, risking life and limb by swimming across the treacherous Rusizi River to escape conscription by M23 rebels. The 25-year-old fled with only a few possessions, navigating through dense forest to avoid detection by rebel forces who forcefully recruit locals to fight against the government. With escalating conflict, thousands are fleeing to Burundi where Burundian troops monitor crossings to maintain order.

Bita, along with nearly 70,000 refugees, is among those escaping the advancing M23 rebels, who recently captured strategic cities such as Goma and Bukavu. Upon reaching Burundi’s Cibitoke province, refugees are screened for weapons by military personnel. Many arrive exhausted after perilous crossings, carrying essentials such as maize meal and beans for their families already residing at makeshift camps.

As M23 rebels continue to pose a threat, several individuals have tragically drowned in the river, with recent reports indicating at least 20 deaths while fleeing. Clarice Kacindi recounted the harrowing loss of her three-year-old child during a crossing, emphasizing the severity of the rebel-induced crisis. Refugees, now sheltering in crowded tents at football stadiums, face prolonged uncertainty with limited food and resources, as men are often turned back at the border to fight for their city.

The border post at Gatumba is overwhelmed with one-way traffic comprising primarily women and children escaping the turmoil. Burundian officials indicate men are required to remain in DRC for defense purposes, as Burundi dispatches over 10,000 troops to assist in combating M23 forces. The heightened conflict has persisted amidst long-standing ethnic tensions between the neighboring countries of Rwanda and Burundi.

Officials warn that if the M23 solidifies its hold in Uvira, it may encourage local rebel groups to attack Burundi. The influx of refugees is unprecedented for the country, with UN representatives stressing the need for adequate resources to support those arriving. Elderly refugees like Magega Mwarui, who have navigated decades of strife, recount their struggles, highlighting the persistent cycle of conflict in the region, while others like Charlotte Odile seek solace and safety for their children after losing loved ones to violence.

The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has forced thousands to flee into Burundi, risking their lives in perilous journeys across the Rusizi River to escape conscription by M23 rebels. Refugees face dire conditions upon arrival, including inadequate shelter and food shortages, compounded by a complex regional conflict steeped in ethnic rivalry. There is a pressing need for humanitarian support to ensure the safety and well-being of those displaced by this devastating crisis.

Original Source: www.bbc.com