Rebels Force Men to Risk Drowning in a Desperate Bid to Escape Conscription
The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to worsen as M23 rebels, along with other armed groups, force locals into desperate measures, including fleeing across the dangerous Rusizi River into neighboring Burundi. These rebels have intensified their control over the region, making life unbearable for many civilians. Men, in particular, are being conscripted by force to join rebel groups, leaving them with no choice but to risk their lives.
Some choose to take perilous journeys, swimming across the fast-moving river despite the high risk of drowning, in the hope of escaping the grim reality of rebel conscription. This article explores the harrowing experiences of people who have been forced to flee their homes in the face of rebel threats, highlighting their dangerous journeys and the challenges they face in seeking safety.
The Escape from Conscription: The Dangers of the Rusizi River
The Rusizi River, which forms the border between the DRC and Burundi, has become a symbol of both hope and peril for those fleeing the M23 rebels. Jordan Bita, a 25-year-old man from the DRC, described the desperate measures he took to escape conscription. “I preferred to risk my life swimming across the river than stay home and be conscripted by the rebels,” he said. Holding on to a black bin bag containing his few belongings, Bita used the river’s powerful currents to propel himself toward safety on the Burundian side. The river, however, is not an easy barrier to cross—its 300-meter width and deep currents make it treacherous.
Despite the risks, thousands of men, women, and children have made the dangerous crossing in search of safety. The journey, however, is fraught with life-threatening challenges. Many have drowned while attempting to swim across the river, with at least 20 known fatalities in recent weeks. Many more may have died without being reported, their bodies swept away by the river’s swift current. Yet, for these individuals, the choice is clear: face the rebels’ conscription or risk death trying to flee.
Rebels’ Brutal Tactics and the Consequences of Escape
As the M23 rebels continue to advance south through the DRC, they have captured key cities such as Goma and Bukavu. These territories, once bustling hubs of activity, are now under the control of armed insurgents. Residents are left with few options as they attempt to escape the horrors of living under rebel control. One of the most brutal tactics employed by the rebels is forcing men, especially young adults, to join their ranks in the ongoing conflict against the DRC government. “The rebels are everywhere,” said Bita, explaining why he chose to risk the dangerous journey rather than face conscription. “They are forcing us to join them to fight against the government.”
As men are being forced to join rebel groups, the refugees fleeing to Burundi include a large number of women and children, who are typically spared from conscription. The crisis has triggered an influx of refugees into neighboring Burundi, with the number of people seeking safety swelling to nearly 70,000 over the past month. The small town of Rugombo in Burundi has become one of the primary refuges, where the displaced are processed and registered by humanitarian organizations.
The Role of Burundian Forces and Their Impact on Refugees
While the Burundian military plays an essential role in monitoring the riverbanks to prevent illegal crossings, they are also responsible for checking the luggage of those crossing into Burundi. Burundian troops have strict orders not to allow weapons through, fearing that they could be used to destabilize the region further. Jordan Bita, after crossing the river, had his bag searched before proceeding to the nearest refugee camp in Rugombo, where he would find temporary shelter with thousands of other displaced individuals.
Yet, despite the safety on the Burundian side, life in refugee camps remains harsh. Food is scarce, with many families receiving only one meal a day, and some must share overcrowded tents. The struggle for necessities is compounded by the emotional toll of leaving behind everything they once knew. “M23 rebels are making our lives very difficult. They must stop this war,” said Clarice Kacindi, a mother who lost her three-year-old child while crossing the river. Tragically, her child was swept away when the raft they were in broke apart in the middle of the river, a stark reminder of the dangers refugees face.
A Desperate Fight for Survival: The Challenges in Refugee Camps
Life in refugee camps is far from comfortable, with overcrowding and limited resources posing significant challenges. In Rugombo, a town that has become a refuge for thousands, hundreds of white tents have been erected to accommodate the displaced. Despite these efforts, up to 25 people are often crammed into one tent, with many others forced to sleep under the open sky. Sanitation is poor, and diseases spread easily in the overcrowded conditions. Even the most basic human needs—food, water, shelter—are in short supply.
Amani Sebakungu, another man who fled the DRC to Burundi, described the extreme conditions refugees must endure. “In the river, you just have to take heart and say if I die or survive, so be it. God willed I crossed safely,” he said, his exhaustion evident after the perilous swim. The reality of fleeing conflict zones becomes even clearer when one understands the lack of support and the immense hardships people face upon arrival in refugee camps.
International Response and the Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and various international organizations have been working to provide aid to those displaced by the ongoing conflict in the DRC. Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, an official from the UNHCR, expressed the urgent need for more support to help Burundi manage the large influx of refugees. “We need to support this country in receiving the refugees to improve the conditions of those that are still making their way to Burundi so that there are no clashes between the refugees and host communities,” she warned.
The humanitarian crisis is not just about providing immediate relief; it also involves long-term solutions to ensure that refugees have access to education, healthcare, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. With the conflict in eastern DRC showing no signs of abating, it is crucial for the international community to rally around both the displaced Congolese and the Burundian host communities that are bearing the brunt of the crisis.
The Long Road Ahead: Hopes for Peace and Stability
For many of the refugees who have crossed into Burundi, the journey is far from over. While they have escaped the immediate threat of rebel conscription and violence, their future remains uncertain. Charlotte Odile, who fled to Burundi after her husband was killed by M23 rebels, expressed her hope for a better life for her children. “I’m hoping to find a home for my children and peace,” she said. For these families, the conflict in the DRC has torn apart everything they once knew, and finding a sense of normalcy may seem like an impossible task.
At the same time, the long-term solution lies in peace and stability in the DRC itself. Until the M23 rebels and other armed groups are disarmed and the region stabilizes, the suffering of civilians will continue. For now, the burden of this humanitarian crisis lies heavily on the shoulders of neighboring countries like Burundi, which has taken in thousands of refugees. The hope for lasting peace is what keeps many refugees going, even as they face enormous challenges in their journey toward safety and security.
