Burundi Accelerates Troop Withdrawal Amidst Refugee Crisis from DRC

Burundi is withdrawing troops from the DRC due to rising violence from M23 fighters, leading to thousands of refugees entering the country. The UN reports this is the largest refugee influx in 25 years, with many fleeing violence in nearby DRC cities. The humanitarian situation is dire as refugees face shortages of food, shelter, and medical care amid escalating regional tensions.

Burundi is expediting the withdrawal of troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amidst a significant influx of refugees stemming from escalating violence in the region. This situation marks the largest wave of refugees Burundi has encountered in over 25 years, as stated by a senior military official. The resurgence of Rwandan-backed M23 fighters, who have recently captured key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, has heightened tensions, prompting international concerns about a broader regional conflict.

The United Nations has alerted the world to the advancing position of M23 toward critical locations in North and South Kivu provinces. As part of the troop withdrawal, an anonymous army officer disclosed that significant logistical challenges, including shortages of ammunition and supplies, have left Burundian soldiers struggling. Approximately 10,000 Burundian soldiers have been previously deployed to assist Congolese forces against the M23 insurgency.

Recent reports indicate that thousands of refugees are crossing into Burundi, with the UNHCR estimating nearly 30,000 arrivals in the past few weeks alone. This marks the most significant refugee crisis for Burundi since the early 2000s. The Burundian government confirmed about 10,000 individuals fled due to intensifying violence, particularly following M23’s encroachment into Bukavu, located just 30 miles from the border.

Personal accounts highlight the urgent plight of these refugees. A motorbike taxi operator recounted fleeing with his family due to indiscriminate gunfire, noting the decision was made in order to survive. Meanwhile, other refugees have expressed dire needs for basic necessities, stating they lack food and appropriate shelter, with some sleeping outdoors under challenging conditions.

Burundi’s Interior Minister announced plans to relocate refugees to ensure their safety and to offer them designated refugee status. This humanitarian crisis comes on the heels of Burundi already hosting around 90,000 refugees from previous conflicts in the eastern DRC. On a related note, reports confirm the arrival of 500 Congolese soldiers seeking refuge in Burundi, further complicating the already tense situation.

The UN’s peacekeeping mission has raised alarms regarding M23’s movements, indicating they are nearing a critical juncture that could ignite wider conflict involving the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. The UN Secretary-General’s envoy warned that the potential for a regional war is increasingly plausible and reiterated the need for urgent action. The United States has responded by implementing sanctions against a Rwandan minister linked to support for the M23, despite Rwanda’s denials of direct involvement in the conflict.

Burundi is facing a humanitarian crisis as conflict in the DRC triggers a large influx of refugees, marking a critical point in the region’s history. With the escalation of violence linked to M23 fighters, Burundian authorities are withdrawing troops while managing the needs of thousands of incoming refugees. International concerns continue to rise regarding the potential for wider conflict in the Great Lakes region, requiring vigilant monitoring and swift humanitarian responses.

Original Source: thedefensepost.com