Men Risk Drowning to Escape Rebel Conscription in DR Congo

Men in the DRC risk drowning while fleeing conscription by M23 rebels, with nearly 70,000 seeking refuge in Burundi amidst escalating violence. The Rusizi River crossing poses dangers, as many drown while trying to escape. Refugee conditions are dire, and local agencies struggle to manage the large influx, highlighting the urgent need for international support.

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), men are risking their lives by swimming across the treacherous Rusizi River to avoid conscription by M23 rebel fighters. Jordan Bita, 25, recounted his escape, holding onto a bag of belongings to navigate the strong currents while avoiding M23 patrols. As violence escalated, these rebels gained control of cities like Goma and Bukavu, forcing nearly 70,000 individuals to seek refuge in neighboring Burundi.

Burundian soldiers are monitoring the riverbanks to manage the influx of Congolese refugees fleeing violence. Many, like Bita, have faced scrutinizing checks by Burundian troops to prevent weapon smuggling. Once across the river, individuals must navigate difficult terrain to refugee camps, enduring harsh conditions and food scarcity.

The journey across the river is perilous, and at least 20 people have drowned in recent weeks while attempting to escape, with many drownings likely unreported. Stories of loss are common among refugees; Clarice Kacindi tragically lost her three-year-old child during a river crossing when their raft broke apart.

Conditions in refugee camps are dire, with hundreds sharing tents and limited rations of food. The main border post at Gatumba has seen a flood of refugees, primarily women and children, as local authorities prevent men from crossing, compelling them to stay in DRC to defend against advancing rebels.

Burundi, having deployed thousands of troops in support of DRC against M23, is on high alert as the rebels approach Uvira, a significant city in the region. The government’s concerns stem from the possibility of M23 consolidating power and strengthening Burundian rebel factions that threaten its stability.

The influx of refugees is unprecedented for Burundi, prompting calls for international support to ensure proper living conditions and mitigate potential conflict between refugees and local populations. Longstanding ethnic conflicts in the area exacerbate these challenges, as evidenced by the recounting of Magega Mwarui, an elderly Congolese woman who has repeatedly fled violence.

Charlotte Odile, another refugee, described her journey to Burundi after losing her husband to rebel violence, hoping for a safe future for her children. The ongoing crisis highlights the desperate conditions faced by those trying to escape violence and seek a better life.

The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led to a humanitarian crisis as thousands of individuals seek refuge in Burundi to avoid conscription by rebels. The dangers of crossing the Rusizi River and the difficult living conditions in refugee camps exemplify the significant challenges faced by these displaced persons. As the situation escalates, international support becomes crucial to manage the influx of refugees and ensure their safety.

Original Source: www.bbc.com