Burundi has hastened its troop withdrawal from DR Congo amid rising conflict, with M23 fighters capturing strategic cities. The UN reports a significant refugee influx, the largest in 25 years, as civilians flee violence. Conditions for incoming refugees are dire, heightening humanitarian concerns, while regional stability remains at risk due to the escalation of hostilities.
Burundi has expedited the withdrawal of troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to escalating conflict, as reported by a senior military source to AFP. The UN has indicated that Burundi is facing its largest influx of refugees in 25 years, as Rwandan-backed M23 fighters capture key areas in eastern DRC, including Goma and Bukavu, raising concerns about the potential for regional conflict.
In a statement, the military officer disclosed that the army has accelerated the extraction of troops stationed on the Rusizi plain amid ongoing fighting. While the exact number of withdrawing soldiers was not specified, it was reported that a battalion has been deployed to assist in their safe evacuation amid concerns over resupply issues and the disarray of Congolese military forces.
There has been a significant influx of refugees into Burundi, with estimates indicating that over 30,000 individuals have crossed the border. Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, representing the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), noted that thousands have fled in recent weeks due to intensified violence from the M23 group, particularly following their advance on Bukavu.
As refugees pour into Burundi, many face dire conditions, lacking basic necessities such as food and shelter. An unnamed elderly woman amongst the refugees highlighted their struggle: “We haven’t had anything to eat… the weakest are already ill.” Similarly, individuals fleeing violence have shared harrowing stories of their escape from armed groups.
The Burundian government is making plans to relocate these refugees to ensure their safety and grant them refugee status. Before this recent surge, Burundi was already hosting approximately 90,000 refugees from earlier violence in the DRC, reflecting the extended humanitarian crisis in the region.
Bintou Keita, head of the UN’s DRC peacekeeping mission, has expressed concern regarding the advancing M23 forces, which could threaten stability across the borders of the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. Huang Xia, the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy for the Great Lakes region, has cautioned that the risk of regional conflict is escalating, reminiscent of the devastating Second Congo War.
In response to the situation, the United States has imposed sanctions against Rwandan Minister James Kabarebe for his association with the M23, while Rwanda has denied accusations of involvement in the conflict, asserting its own security threats from Hutu fighters in the DRC.
In conclusion, the situation in Burundi and the DRC is rapidly deteriorating as significant military withdrawals are underway amidst an unprecedented refugee influx. The ongoing conflict, primarily driven by the M23 group’s aggressive advances, poses a serious threat to regional stability. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, prompting international attention and concerns over potential broader implications for neighboring countries.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
