As conflict intensifies in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), thousands of refugees are risking their lives to cross into neighboring Burundi. Among them is 25-year-old Jordan Bita, who swam across the dangerous Rusizi River, clinging to a plastic bag carrying his few possessions. His desperate escape highlights the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding as M23 rebels continue their advance.
Bita's journey was fraught with danger as he avoided main roads patrolled by M23 fighters, who are forcing young men to join their ranks. Upon reaching Burundi’s Cibitoke province, he was met by Burundian troops monitoring the influx of refugees. His luggage was thoroughly searched before he was allowed to continue to a makeshift refugee camp in Rugombo, where his family awaited him.
The dangers of crossing the Rusizi River are immense. At least 20 people have drowned in the last two weeks, with many more unaccounted for. Clarice Kacindi, a grieving mother, lost her three-year-old child when the overloaded raft she was on split apart mid-river. "M23 are making our lives very difficult. They must stop this war," she said, devastated by the loss of her home and family.
The refugee crisis is straining Burundi’s resources. Nearly 70,000 Congolese have crossed the border in the past month alone. In Rugombo’s football stadium, hundreds of tents have been erected, each sheltering up to 25 people. Food is scarce, and refugees are receiving only one meal a day.
Further south, at the Gatumba border post, thousands continue to arrive, mostly women and children. However, Burundian officials have reportedly barred Congolese men from crossing, ordering them to remain in Uvira to defend the city.
The situation in DR Congo is deeply intertwined with regional tensions. M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have captured the cities of Goma and Bukavu in recent weeks. Burundi, historically opposed to Rwanda, has deployed over 10,000 troops in DR Congo to fight M23 and prevent the group from strengthening Burundian rebel forces like Red Tabara.
Burundi’s government fears that if Uvira falls to M23, Red Tabara—an armed group with past attacks on Burundi—will gain power. The country is now on high alert as M23 forces reportedly advance toward Uvira, just 70 kilometers away.
Burundi is facing one of its largest refugee influxes in over 20 years. Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, an official from the UN refugee agency, has called for international support to assist refugees and prevent tensions between displaced Congolese and local communities.
For 87-year-old Magega Mwarui, fleeing has become a tragic routine. "I have crossed this river so many times, carrying what little I have left," she said. Now blind and living in a refugee camp, she has little hope of returning home.
Among the thousands seeking safety, Charlotte Odile is trying to rebuild her life. After her husband was killed by M23 rebels, she fled to Burundi with her four children. "I'm hoping to find a home for my children and peace," she said.
As the conflict rages on, thousands more are expected to flee, risking their lives for a chance at safety. The world watches as Burundi struggles to accommodate the growing number of refugees, while the humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo deepens.