Fresh fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has driven tens of thousands of terrified civilians across the border into Burundi, where makeshift camps are struggling to cope.
Over 400 Dead in One Week
Since 2 December, M23 rebels have killed more than 400 people in South Kivu province, local officials report. In the same period, over 200,000 people fled their homes. Many arrived in Burundi with nothing.
Camps in Crisis
At Kansega camp in western Burundi, new arrivals face severe shortages of water, toilets and shelter. Congolese refugee Nayonde Mbilize begged: “We plead with President Kagame for mercy. Let us go home safely.”
Shells Hit Burundi Soil
Artillery rounds have already landed in the Burundian border town of Rugombo — the strongest sign yet the war could spread.
Peace Deal Looks Shaky
The violence erupted days after DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington.
The M23 rebels widely seen as Rwanda-backed were not part of the deal and continue separate talks in Qatar.
Congo’s Endless Conflict
More than 100 armed groups fight for control of eastern Congo’s rich mineral resources. The United Nations says over 7 million people remain displaced across the country in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
READ ALSO: Major Escalation: 200,000 Flee as War Returns to Eastern Congo
