Refugee crisis in Burundi worsens as DRC conflict escalates

As Burundians prepare to vote on June 5th, the country is grappling with mounting social pressures from a growing refugee crisis driven by ongoing conflict in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where government forces are battling Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, according to France 24.

Since January, over 71,000 Congolese refugees — mostly women and children — have fled harrowing violence in eastern DRC, with many seeking refuge in Burundi after traumatic, often family-separating journeys.

As the refugee crisis unfolds, France 24 reports that while some families have reunited after crossing the border, many remain separated and face an uncertain future, with little hope of returning home anytime soon.

FRANCE 24, Maghrebi.org