Men are risking their lives swimming across rivers to escape conscription by rebel groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In the last month, nearly 70,000 people have crossed into neighboring Burundi, seeking refuge from the conflict. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda and Burundi’s neighbors to the north, continue to advance south in DR Congo.
Those fleeing face real dangers, with at least 20 people swept away while attempting to cross the 300m-wide Rusizi River. The river is also 10m deep at certain points, making it almost impossible for some to make the crossing without risking their lives.
Congolese families are being monitored by Burundian troops as they attempt to reach safety. Men are not allowed to cross into Burundi, but women and children are being let through, with many forced to leave behind everything they have.
Burundi has over 10,000 troops deployed in DR Congo to help fight the M23 rebels. However, the conflict is fueling a new wave of refugees, with hundreds of families seeking shelter in camps set up by the UN.
The situation is dire, with reports of refugees facing food and water shortages, as well as clashes between those fleeing and host communities. The international community is urging calm, but the situation remains volatile.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93k9476694o