Nearly 10,000 people have fled from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Burundi over the past three days, escaping violence as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels continue to advance. Refugees are crossing into Burundi through the official Gatumba border post or the Rusizi River, according to a statement from Burundi’s interior ministry on Monday.
Authorities are working to identify soldiers, civilians, and the sick among the refugees and are providing temporary shelter with help from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR). However, the sudden influx is putting pressure on local resources.
The M23 armed group, accused of widespread human rights abuses, has taken control of large parts of eastern DRC in recent weeks, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. Over the weekend, the rebels captured Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, a key city just 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the Burundi border. The fall of Bukavu has caused panic, pushing many to seek safety in Burundi.
Burundi has been supporting the DRC government in its fight against M23 and other armed groups. Since October 2023, Burundi has sent over 10,000 troops to assist the Congolese army. Despite this, the rebels’ recent gains have raised concerns about the conflict spreading across borders.
On Sunday, Burundi’s Interior Minister Martin Niteretse said, “Thousands of Congolese refugees fled because they panicked after hearing that Bukavu was taken.” He added that the exact number of refugees is still unclear, as the situation remains fluid.
To manage the crisis, Burundi briefly closed a major border crossing with the DRC on Friday. While this move aimed to control the flow of refugees, it may have forced some to take riskier routes, such as crossing the Rusizi River.
The conflict in eastern DRC is fueled by decades of instability, with armed groups fighting for control of the region’s rich mineral resources, including gold and coltan. The resurgence of M23, which first emerged in 2012, has reignited fears of a wider regional crisis, drawing in neighboring countries and complicating peace efforts.
The international community has expressed growing concern over the humanitarian impact. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, with many lacking access to basic needs like food, water, and medical care. Humanitarian organizations face challenges in delivering aid due to ongoing insecurity and threats from armed groups.
As the crisis deepens, regional and international leaders are calling for urgent action to address the root causes of the conflict, including governance issues, resource exploitation, and regional tensions. For now, the people of eastern DRC remain trapped in the violence, with many forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries like Burundi.