DR Congo Conflict Forces Men to Risk Lives Swimming to Escape Conscription
The violent conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led many men to escape conscription by M23 rebels, risking their lives swimming across the hazardous Rusizi River into Burundi. As the situation escalates, tens of thousands of refugees flood into Burundi, facing dire humanitarian challenges. The hardships of crossing and the loss of family underscore the severity of this crisis. International support is crucial to alleviate the ongoing needs of refugees and local communities.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), men are risking their lives by swimming across the treacherous Rusizi River to evade conscription by M23 rebels. Jordan Bita, 25, managed to cross the river holding a black bin bag with essential belongings, opting for the safety of the Burundian territory amidst escalating violence from the rebels, who recently captured the cities of Goma and Bukavu. Facing rampant recruitment by the M23 fighters, he felt compelled to leave rather than join their ranks in combat against the government.
As the conflict intensifies, approximately 70,000 refugees have fled to Burundi in the past month, drawn by the violence of the advancing M23 forces, allegedly backed by neighboring Rwanda. Burundian troops are now overseeing the conflict-torn riverbank to manage the influx of displaced Congolese families seeking asylum. Each individual and family must pass through additional scrutiny to ensure they carry no weapons into Burundi as a matter of security protocol.
The journey is perilous, with numerous refugees drowning while attempting to swim across the river’s currents, which can reach depths of up to 10 meters. The tragic story of Clarice Kacindi highlights the desperate circumstances; she lost her three-year-old child during her attempt to escape, further emphasizing the perils of crossing. Refugees struggle with limited provisions, with many sharing tents in a makeshift camp and surviving on rationed food supplies.
The border situation has morphed into a dire humanitarian crisis, mostly affecting women and children, as men are often denoted unfit to cross into Burundi. The fear of the M23 rebel advance creates unrest in border towns like Uvira, where Burundian forces are stationed to protect against the looming threat. With the region’s history of ethnic conflict and unrest creeping back into the forefront, the consequences of the current situation could ripple throughout central Africa.
Longstanding ethnic rivalries between Burundi and Rwanda contribute to the complexity of the conflict. Burundi finds itself hosting a larger population of refugees than it has experienced in over two decades, with the UN recognizing the strain this places on the nation’s resources. The testimonies of elderly refugees, such as Magega Mwarui, recount the harrowing experiences of flight and loss amidst the turmoil, as she, too, seeks refuge once again.
Amidst these struggles, individuals like Charlotte Odile seek stability for their families after tragic losses to violence. As the situation develops, there is a dire need for international support to ensure the safety and well-being of both refugees and the host communities.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has forced thousands to flee to Burundi in search of security. Men face conscription by the M23 rebels, prompting dangerous crossings of the Rusizi River, resulting in tragic drownings. Humanitarian needs are escalating as the number of refugees increases, and the historical ethnic tensions further complicate the crisis. Immediate international assistance is vital to address the challenges faced by both the refugees and the Burundians accommodating them.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
