NAIROBI, Kenya—A severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Central Africa as over 30,000 civilians from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have sought refuge in neighboring Burundi within a single week. This mass exodus was triggered by a major military offensive led by the M23 rebel faction, which is advancing towards the strategic border city of Uvira.
According to confidential sources within Burundi’s administration who spoke with AFP on Tuesday, the pace of displacement has accelerated dramatically, with more than 8,000 individuals crossing the border daily during the past 48 hours. This alarming figure has been independently verified by a representative from the United Nations refugee agency.
The current assault marks a significant escalation in the prolonged regional conflict, occurring almost exactly one year after M23 forces captured Goma and Bukavu—the two most important urban centers in eastern DRC. The contested territory, abundant with valuable mineral resources, has been embroiled in violent instability for three decades, with various armed groups vying for control.
International observers note that the M23 militia receives substantial backing from Rwanda, further complicating diplomatic relations in the region and hampering efforts towards peaceful resolution. The rapid closure of main supply routes and critical infrastructure around Uvira has left civilian populations with minimal options for safety, prompting this sudden cross-border movement.