Burundi’s president warned Saturday that the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could spread across the region.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who seized Goma last week, have vowed to march on Kinshasa, deepening a decades-old crisis.
“If it continues like this, war risks becoming widespread,” said Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye.
Despite the warning, Burundi has 10,000 troops in eastern DRC, with Rwanda accusing them of fighting against M23.
Fearing an advance, South Kivu residents are stockpiling supplies, unsure when the rebels might arrive.
The UN says 500,000 people have fled, and Africa’s health agency warns of deadly disease outbreaks amid worsening conditions.
Diplomatic efforts are intensifying to prevent an all-out regional war.