Escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has driven more than 60,000 people to seek refuge in Burundi within just two weeks. Many of these families, primarily women and children, had already been displaced within the DRC before being forced to flee across the border due to fresh clashes.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has praised Burundi for granting the refugees prima facie status, ensuring immediate protection and humanitarian assistance. However, with the fighting moving closer to Uvira, near the border, officials expect even more arrivals in the coming days.
Some refugees have travelled from as far as Goma, hundreds of kilometres to the north, highlighting the ongoing cycle of displacement in the region.
UNHCR and its partners are working tirelessly to provide essentials such as food, water, sleeping materials, and hygiene supplies. Local community groups have also stepped in to support the growing number of displaced people.
Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, UNHCR’s Representative in Burundi, recently visited the refugee settlement in Kaburantwa to assess needs and listen to concerns. Many new arrivals are being transferred to the Musenyi refugee site, which can accommodate up to 10,000 people, with UNHCR staff assisting in registration and relocation efforts.
To cope with the influx, the Burundian government is preparing to allocate additional land for expanding refugee settlements, aiming to provide safe shelter and essential resources for those fleeing the violence.
