Fleeing Violence: Congolese Refugees Brave Treacherous Waters to Escape Rebels

As M23 rebels continue their advance in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, numerous civilians like Jordan Bita are risking dangerous crossings over the Rusizi River to seek refuge in Burundi, where strained resources and overwhelmed camps await.

Jordan Bita, a 25-year-old resident of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), chose to brave perilous waters rather than face the threat of conscription by M23 rebels. The Rusizi river, which separates DRC and Burundi, became his escape route as the conflict escalated in the eastern region, with M23 rebels rapidly capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu over the last month.

"I'm happy to have made it," Bita shared upon reaching the Burundian bank. He explained that he avoided main roads crawling with rebels by opting for forest trails instead. "M23 fighters are everywhere, forcing us to join their ranks to fight," he added.

Bita is one of nearly 70,000 individuals seeking refuge in Burundi, where Burundian troops monitor the riverbanks to help control the influx of Congolese families. Just recently, Goma fell to the M23, followed by the capture of Bukavu, intensifying fears regarding safety in DRC.

Upon crossing the river, Bita's belongings were meticulously searched. Weapons are banned, and he now aims to reunite with his family in a refugee camp located about 12 kilometers away in Rugombo. He carries essential food supplies, including maize meal and beans, to provide sustenance for his family already in the camp.

The journey across the Rusizi River is fraught with danger; in the last two weeks alone, at least 20 people have drowned while attempting to swim the turbulent waters, which reach depths of 10 meters. Clarice Kacindi recounted her heartbreaking experience of losing her three-year-old child during the crossing due to the raft collapsing.

Burundi is currently facing unprecedented challenges, accommodating a large number of refugees, where conditions are grim. Reports indicate that men, particularly, are being deterred from seeking refuge, as they are often directed to stay and defend cities like Uvira against rebel advances.

The situation is compounded by a lack of resources, with camps overflowing. Hundreds of temporary shelters in Rugombo's football stadium house dozens of families, with many enduring food rationing and unsanitary living conditions.

The conflict's historical complexities contribute to tensions; Burundi and Rwanda share enmity shaped by ethnic divisions, complicating refugee dynamics. As tensions rise, the situation remains precarious for Burundian authorities who fear that their own stability could be threatened by the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

UN officials have called for support in managing the influx and ensuring the safety of those displaced by the conflict. Elderly refugees like Magega Mwarui articulate a long history of violence, echoing the struggles of families like Charlotte Odile's, who fled after losing a loved one to rebel violence.

Burundi is now left grappling with the ramifications of hosting such a significant number of refugees, and many hope for peace and security in their new environments.