Burundi Troops Withdraw as DRC Conflict Triggers Refugee Crisis
Burundi is withdrawing troops from the DRC amid escalating conflict with M23 fighters, leading to a major refugee influx into Burundi, the largest in 25 years. Thousands have fled violence, facing dire conditions. The UN warns of regional conflict risks as international entities respond to the crisis.
Burundi has commenced a rapid withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a senior military source disclosed to AFP on Thursday. This movement coincides with the United Nations’ warning of a significant influx of refugees into Burundi, the largest in 25 years, as Rwandan-backed M23 fighters continue to gain ground in eastern DRC, capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
The UN has commented on the ongoing advance of M23 towards vital areas in North and South Kivu provinces. In response to the deteriorating situation, a senior Burundian military officer announced the extraction of soldiers deployed in the conflict zones, although specific troop numbers have not been disclosed. A battalion was dispatched to facilitate the withdrawal from South Kivu amid supply issues faced by Burundian forces.
Since October 2023, approximately 10,000 Burundian soldiers have assisted the Congolese army against the M23. However, the situation has worsened, as soldiers reportedly find themselves lacking essential supplies such as ammunition and food, a predicament attributed to disorganized Congolese forces.
As conflict escalates, the refugee crisis continues to mount, with a remarkable influx of people fleeing to Burundi. Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, a representative from the UNHCR, reported that thousands of refugees have crossed the border in recent days, estimating around 30,000 people have arrived, driven by violence from the M23.
The urgency of seeking refuge was echoed by Kitenge, a refugee who described fleeing with his family due to gunfire from armed groups. Many refugees are in dire condition, as reported by an older woman who lamented their lack of basic necessities such as food and shelter, exposing them to harsh conditions.
To address the situation, Burundian Interior Minister Martin Niteretse announced plans to relocate incoming refugees for their safety, ensuring they would receive refugee status. Notably, before this escalation, Burundi already hosted around 90,000 refugees primarily from previous conflicts in eastern DRC.
The regional implications of this conflict are troubling, as Bintou Keita, head of the UN’s DRC peacekeeping mission, highlighted the advancing M23 towards the borders of DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. UN Secretary-General’s special envoy Huang Xia emphasized the escalating risk of a regional war, warning that the situation mirrors the devastating Second Congo War of 1998-2003. Recently, the United States imposed sanctions on Rwandan minister James Kabarebe for his alleged support of the M23, while Rwanda denies involvement and cites threats from ethnic Hutu groups in the DRC.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has prompted a significant military withdrawal by Burundi and triggered the largest refugee influx into Burundi in decades. Amid the chaos, refugees face severe shortages of essential supplies, prompting government intervention to ensure their safety. The situation raises alarms about potential regional instability reminiscent of historical conflicts, challenging international responses and regional cooperation.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
