Over 60,000 fleeing conflict in DR Congo seek refuge in Burundi

In just two weeks, over 60,000 people have crossed into Burundi, fleeing deadly violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Many of these families had already been displaced within DRC and are now seeking refuge in neighbouring Burundi. The majority of those arriving are women and children, escaping ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

As the fighting moves closer to the town of Uvira, near the official border crossing, this number is expected to rise.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, commends Burundi’s decision to grant refugees prima facie status, ensuring they receive immediate protection and critical humanitarian aid.

These new arrivals are primarily Congolese citizens who had already been displaced by past conflicts, now forced to flee once again due to fresh clashes.

Some have travelled from as far as Goma, hundreds of kilometres to the north—another tragic example of repeated displacement in East Africa.

UNHCR and its partners are working tirelessly to assist these refugees, providing essential items like warm meals, water, sleeping materials, and hygiene supplies. Local community organizations are also offering invaluable support.

Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, the UNHCR Representative in Burundi, recently visited refugees in Kaburantwa, listening to their concerns and assessing their needs.

Those arriving are being transferred to the Musenyi refugee site, which can accommodate 10,000 people. UNHCR staff are assisting with registration and transportation, ensuring refugees are safely relocated.

The Government of Burundi is also planning to allocate additional land to expand the refugee sites, providing much-needed shelter and support.

The M23 instigated crisis

The M23 rebel group, also known as the March 23 Movement, has been at the center of a devastating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Formed in 2012 by former soldiers of the DRC army, the group claims to be fighting against the government’s perceived marginalization of the Tutsi minority. However, their true motivations and goals are disputed.

The M23’s actions have resulted in widespread violence and displacement of civilians, with reports of human rights abuses, including killings, rapes, and forced recruitment of child soldiers.

The group’s attacks have also destroyed infrastructure and property, disrupting humanitarian aid and economic activities.

The international community has condemned the M23’s actions, and various efforts have been made to resolve the crisis through diplomacy and military intervention.

The United Nations has deployed peacekeeping forces to the region, while neighboring countries have attempted to broker a peace agreement.

Despite these efforts, the situation remains volatile, and a lasting solution has yet to be achieved.

The DRC government has been criticized for its handling of the crisis, with some accusing it of exacerbating the situation through its military response.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with millions of people displaced and in need of aid.

A peaceful resolution to the crisis is urgently needed to prevent further suffering and instability in the region.

The international community must continue to pressure the M23 to lay down its arms and engage in negotiations, while also supporting the DRC government in its efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.

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