Congolese Flee Rebels Force Conscription

Many Congolese men are risking their lives to swim across the Rusizi River to escape conscription by rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). At least 20 people have drowned so far while attempting to cross the river over the last two weeks. The river being 300 meters wide and up to 10 meters deep in some areas. Jordan Bita, for instance, preferred to risk drowning rather than stay and be forced to join the rebels.
Another woman, Clarice Kacindi seeking asylum lost her three-year-old child while crossing the Rusizi 10 days ago.

Burundian troops have been monitoring the riverbank in Cibitoke province where Congolese families are crossing for assistance.
Nearly 70,000 people who have sought refuge in Burundi since last month.
Rwanda backed rebel group, The M23, has been advancing in eastern DRC, leading to a humanitarian crisis and forcing many Congolese to flee their homes. They have taken over the cities of Goma and Bukavu. The conflict has also seen children as young as 11 years old picking up guns left by retreating Congolese soldiers, according to the United Nations.

The situation has raised concerns about the involvement of Rwandan troops in the conflict, with sources indicating that significant numbers of soldiers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) have been killed supporting the M23 rebels, despite official denials from Rwanda.
The unrest in the DRC has also led to a significant number of refugees seeking safety in neighboring countries like Burundi, where makeshift camps have been set up to accommodate those fleeing the conflict.