News|ConflictTens of thousands flee DR Congo to Burundi amid rebel takeover of key cityUN refugee agency says women and children arriving ‘exhausted and severely traumatised’ after fleeing eastern DRC.

Over 84,000 individuals have fled to Burundi from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to a rebel offensive supported by Rwanda near the border of the two countries, according to recent United Nations data.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that Burundi is experiencing a critical situation due to an influx of refugees and asylum seekers escaping increased violence in South Kivu province of the DRC.

Thousands of refugees are crossing the border daily, overwhelming local resources and creating a significant humanitarian emergency that necessitates immediate global support. More than 200,000 individuals have sought refuge in Burundi, with a significant proportion being women and children who arrive in a traumatized state.

The refugee movement commenced in early December following an assault by the M23 rebel group, culminating in the capture of Uvira, a key city in the eastern DRC. Refugees began crossing into Burundi on December 5, with a notable increase following the M23's takeover of Uvira on December 10. The M23 announced a withdrawal from Uvira in response to international condemnation.

In Burundi, displaced families encounter challenging conditions at transit points and makeshift camps, with minimal infrastructure. Many are residing without adequate shelter, clean water, or proper sanitation. Approximately half of the displaced population consists of children under 18, accompanied by a significant number of women, including pregnant individuals.

Ezechiel Nibigira, representing the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), reported that 25,000 refugees are located in Gatumba in western Burundi, and nearly 40,000 in Buganda in the northwest, most of whom are in dire conditions.

Local administrators have described the situation as catastrophic, with many refugees suffering from hunger. Reports from refugees include accounts of bombings, artillery fire, and forced separation from family members.

M23 Withdrawal and Political Developments

The M23 rebel group announced a withdrawal from Uvira as a measure to build trust and support peace efforts led by the United States and Qatar. Nonetheless, the Congolese government has expressed skepticism, viewing the announcement as a diversionary tactic.

Despite the withdrawal announcement, local reports indicate that M23 personnel remain in the city. The group’s advance expanded its territorial control in the mineral-rich eastern DRC and disrupted a crucial supply route for Congolese forces along the Burundi border.

This offensive followed a meeting between the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda with the US President in Washington, DC, to reaffirm a peace agreement. The takeover of Uvira by the rebels has been met with criticism from Washington, with accusations against Rwanda concerning the breach of the agreement, which Rwanda denies.

The conflict has resulted in over 400 civilian deaths and displaced more than 200,000 individuals since early December. The broader conflict in eastern DRC, involving over 100 armed groups, has displaced more than seven million people, as reported by the UNHCR.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.