Cibitoke : 15 Congolese drowned in the Rusizi while trying to flee fighting in the DRC

While clashes between the M23 and the Congolese army intensify in South Kivu, refugees are trying to flee to Burundi. In less than 48 hours, 15 people have lost their lives crossing the Rusizi, a river separating Burundi and Congo. The influx of refugees continues despite the risks. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

In just two days, the river Rusizi swept away 15 people in the district of Rugombo. These Congolese refugees were trying to escape the advance of the M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Already present on the Burundian soil, several of them are calling for the restoration of peace and security in their country, while Burundians are urging them to avoid risky crossings.

According to witnesses, these drownings were recorded in less than 48 hours, between Saturday and Sunday. The victims were among the many refugees fleeing clashes between the M23 and the Congolese army, supported by its allies, in South Kivu. About ten of them, from Kamanyola, were swept away by the waters in the localities of Rukana and Rubenga, in the district of Rugombo, province of Cibitoke in the northwest of the small east African nation. Other refugees come from Luberizi and Bwegera.

According to local sources, these mass departures are motivated by the increase in shootings in the air by Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and their Wazalendo allies. Panicking, the latter are said to be looting everything in their path during their retreat.

Congolese refugees who have already reached Burundi express an urgent need for peace in order to be able to return home. Meanwhile, the flow of new arrivals is not slowing down. Smugglers are present on the banks of the Rusizi to facilitate their crossing.

A notable from Bwegera, now a refugee in Rugombo, testifies that the number of candidates for departure remains high. Faced with this situation, Burundian authorities are calling on refugees to be cautious before undertaking such an escape.

Currently, the districts of Rugombo and Buganda, in the province of Cibitoke, as well as that of Gihanga in the neighboring province of Bubanza, continue to welcome Congolese refugees.