Desperate Escape: Congolese Refugees Risk Lives to Flea Rebel Conscriptions

With the advancing conflict in eastern DR Congo, hundreds are risking their lives to flee into Burundi, facing treacherous river crossings and the threat of rebel conscription. Reports highlight harrowing stories of survival amid the chaos.

Jordan Bita, a 25-year-old from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, made the perilous decision to swim across the treacherous Rusizi River to escape conscription by M23 rebels, who have been capturing key cities in the region. Clinging to a bin bag filled with his belongings, he successfully navigated the strong currents that mark the river border with Burundi.

"I managed to flee safely… because I was crossing through the forest and moving along the bushes instead of the main road," he recounted shortly after emerging from the river. The area is plagued by M23 fighters who are aggressively recruiting able-bodied men to join their ranks against the government.

As tension mounts in Eastern Congo, nearly 70,000 individuals have sought refuge in Burundi in just a month, fleeing the violence brought by the M23 rebels, who have established a foothold by taking key areas including Goma and Bukavu. Burundian troops are stationed along the riverbank, monitoring crossings as men face restrictions at the border, often being turned back to defend their home cities.

After successfully crossing, Bita hiked 12 kilometers to reach a refugee camp in the town of Rugombo, carrying provisions for his family impacted by the escalating crisis. Other refugees have not been so lucky; at least 20 people have drowned in recent weeks attempting to navigate the dangerous waters.

Amani Sebakungu, another fleeing individual, expressed the dire circumstances of crossing the river: “In the river, you just have to take heart and say if I die or survive, so be it.” Unfortunately, for many, the journey has taken a tragic turn.

Clarice Kacindi shared a heartbreaking story of losing her three-year-old child during the crossing — a reminder of the immense dangers and heartache faced by families seeking safety. The makeshift camps, often concentrated in stadiums, reflect an ongoing humanitarian crisis where shelter and food are limited.

Officials report that the Burundian military is on high alert, especially as M23 rebels reportedly advance into regions threatening stability further south in their country. As history repeats itself, officials express concern about the influx of refugees and the potential for ethnic tensions to re-emerge in a region that has seen decades of violence.

With growing international attention, humanitarian groups are urging proactive measures to alleviate the suffering of those fleeing conflict. Brigitte Mukanga-Eno of the UN refugee agency emphasized, "We need to support this country in receiving the refugees to improve the conditions."

For many refugees, such as 87-year-old Magega Mwarui, this is not the first time they have fled their homeland. "I have fled to Burundi so many times. We cross this river carrying the little belongings we have left," she shared, providing a haunting perspective on a cycle of conflict that continues to ravage the region.

As the crisis escalates, hope remains for individuals like Charlotte Odile, a mother seeking peace for her children after losing her husband to rebel violence. "I'm hoping to find a home for my children and peace," she voiced, echoing the desires of many caught in this tragic situation.