Residents in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo say Burundian troops deployed in the region have blocked key supply routes, making it difficult for communities to access food and basic goods.
People in Minembwe and Masisi report that the roads linking their villages to nearby markets have been closed since mid-October, causing shortages and sharp price increases.
Local leaders say sugar has risen from USD 180 to 600 per sack, rice from 50 to 250, salt from 25 to 250, and soap from 18 to 50 per box.
Villagers also accuse Burundian soldiers of involvement in recent incidents in Nturo and Ngungu, where residents report intimidation and disruptions to daily life.
The presence of the troops, civilians say, has made their lives miserable.
Meanwhile, tensions have increased following a recent meeting between Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi.
While the two leaders said they were renewing diplomatic and security cooperation, many residents has escalated military activity in their communities.
The armed coalition AFC/M23 has echoed concerns raised by the population, saying Burundian forces have contributed to instability and warning that any hostile military action would be treated in the same way as confrontations with the Congolese army.