Thousands flee DRC violence to Burundi, facing peril

Thousands of refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are fleeing to Burundi due to escalating violence from the M23 rebel group. Many have faced dangerous river crossings, with reports of family members being swept away in the Rusizi River. In the past month, over 65,000 people have arrived in Burundi, marking the largest influx in decades. The humanitarian situation is worsening, as existing resources are strained by the new arrivals, who join previous refugees and internally displaced individuals. Refugees are currently sheltering in a stadium in Cibitoke, where aid agencies are providing basic necessities. However, food distribution is limited, and many refugees are traumatized and struggling to cope with their losses.