First convoy of DRC refugees leaves from Burundi

Hundreds of Congolese refugees departed Burundi in the first organized convoy returning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The group is part of thousands who fled last year’s violence after the M23 armed group, backed by Rwanda, captured areas in eastern DRC, including the border town of Uvira in December.

Returns began following the reopening of the border and the withdrawal of M23 from Uvira, which improved security conditions in parts of eastern DRC. Aid agencies confirmed this is the first convoy facilitating voluntary returns, with further movements expected as conditions allow.