from OMEGA SSUUNA in Bujumbura, Burundi
Burundi Bureau
BUJUMBURA, (CAJ News) – THE deteriorating humanitarian situation in Burundi has reached a critical point following the massive influx of refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Since the beginning of December 2025, more than 84 000 individuals escaping the rising fighting in the South Kivu province have crossed the border into the neighbouring country.
This significantly increases the total number of Congolese refugees and asylum seekers in Burundi, which now exceeds 200 000.
The arrival of thousands of people crossing the border daily on foot or by boat is much to the concern of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
UNHCR reports this influx is putting immense pressure on local resources and creating a humanitarian emergency that requires immediate international support.
The agency said women and children were the hardest hit.
“They arrive exhausted and severely traumatised, bearing the physical and psychological scars of horrific violence,” said a spokesperson.
UNHCR reports that its teams have met pregnant women who report not having eaten for several days.
In Burundi, transit centers and informal settlements for new arrivals are far exceeding their capacity, in some cases by nearly 200 percent, leaving hundreds of families in untenable conditions.
Shortages of water and sanitation are increasing the risk of outbreaks of deadly diseases, including cholera and monkeypox.
The Burundian government has designated a new site, Bweru, in Buhumuza province in the east of the country, to alleviate overcrowding at existing sites.
To date, nearly 21 000 refugees have been transferred from reception and transit centres to Bweru.
UNHCR is appealing for shelter, latrines, water, food, and additional medical supplies to ensure access to aid for those who need it most.
Overall, it is appealing for US$47,2 million for the next four months to assist 500 000 internally displaced people in the DRC and nearly 166 000 refugees in Burundi, Rwanda, and other neighboring countries to which Congolese are likely to flee.
“Without rapid additional funding, the delivery of aid will continue to be delayed, and more people will be put at risk,” the spokesperson warned.
– CAJ News