Burundi Troops Deploy as UK Halts Aid Over Rising Violence in Eastern DRC
Burundi troops are fighting alongside DRC forces against the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have gained considerable ground in eastern DRC. The UK has suspended aid to Rwanda due to its support for M23, while regional leaders push for a ceasefire amid a rising humanitarian crisis. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths since January, prompting urgent calls for peace initiatives.
Troops from Burundi, allies of the Congolese government, are continuing their deployment in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the UK has paused most bilateral aid to Rwanda. This suspension follows an offensive by M23 fighters, a group supported by Rwandan military forces, which has recently taken control of key urban centers in eastern DRC, marking an escalation in the region’s long-standing conflict.
The M23 rebel group has gained significant territory since re-engaging in conflict late last year, having seized the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu in quick succession. Reports indicate that the DRC army has struggled to mount effective resistance against these advances, often retreating while committing acts of violence against civilians.
M23 forces are now approaching Uvira, a strategic town near Lake Tanganyika, prompting the movement of Burundian troops to assist in defending against their advance. Witnesses have reported concentrated troop movements from Burundi towards Luvungi as well as local militia aligning with them to counter the threat posed by M23 fighters.
In response to growing violence, African Union leaders appointed three former presidents to facilitate peace talks in the conflict-affected area. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is also investigating the recent surge in violence, with ICC prosecutor Karim Khan expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in the region.
Recent efforts by the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) aimed to establish a ceasefire and improve humanitarian access have seen the appointment of notable figures to oversee peace processes. The urgency of the situation was underscored by DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka’s declaration of a significant death toll since January, highlighting the need for immediate action against the escalating violence.
Ongoing reports from the UN corroborate these claims, detailing thousands of deaths linked to the M23 offensive and subsequent unrest in eastern DRC. The UN’s humanitarian agency OCHA has also confirmed significant mortality rates in hospitals across the region, further emphasizing the dire humanitarian crisis that ensues alongside the conflict.
The situation in eastern DRC remains precarious as Burundian troops deploy in response to an escalating conflict fueled by the M23 rebellion, which has drawn international scrutiny. The UK has paused aid to Rwanda, linked to its support for M23 fighters, and regional efforts to broker peace are underway. Continued violence has led to significant civilian casualties, necessitating urgent humanitarian responses.
Original Source: www.hazard-herald.com
