Jordan Bita made a daring decision to risk his life by swimming across a turbulent river rather than face conscription by rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Clinging to a black bin bag with his possessions, the 25-year-old used the strong currents of the Rusizi river to traverse the border between DR Congo and Burundi. This risky journey was the final leg of his desperate escape from the escalating conflict in eastern DR Congo, where M23 rebels had recently seized control of Goma and Bukavu.
After safely reaching the Burundian side, Mr. Bita shared his harrowing experience with the BBC, explaining how he avoided capture by moving through the forest instead of using the main road. The presence of M23 fighters in the area had compelled him to flee and seek refuge in Burundi, where he joined nearly 70,000 other displaced individuals who had crossed the border in search of safety.
As he carried his bag up a steep hill to a nearby refugee camp, Mr. Bita brought much-needed food for his family, who were already sheltering in a makeshift camp in Rugombo. Another exhausted survivor, Amani Sebakungu, described the perilous journey across the river, emphasizing the need for courage and faith to overcome the risks.
The situation at the border remained tense, with Burundian troops closely monitoring the influx of Congolese families seeking asylum. The presence of M23 rebels on the Congolese side further heightened the dangers faced by those attempting to cross the river. Despite the challenges and tragedies experienced by the refugees, the hope for safety and peace remained a driving force in their arduous journey to escape the conflict-ridden region. Desde que era joven… ha habido momentos en los que casi me ahogo mientras huía.