Amidst the rugged terrain near the largest city, Bujumbura, exhaustion and trauma are etched on the faces of those arriving at the Gatumba border post. Imagine journeying over perilous paths, only to be separated from your loved ones, unsure of their fate. As if caught in a somber limbo, many arrive with scant information about where their families might be. But, here’s a silver lining: the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, along with other partners, stands vigil at these borders, ensuring that those seeking refuge find the care and support they desperately need. They’re not just numbers; they’re individuals awaiting safety, solace, and a path forward.
Yet, there’s another side to the story, less visible but equally distressing. Along the Rusizi River near Rugombo, reports tell of countless souls crossing through unorthodox channels, with several tragic drownings adding to the tale of woe. The border zone paints a scene of deprivation: makeshift shelters, a dearth of clean water, and non-existent sanitation facilities. Picture schools turned into temporary havens, where 10,400 people vie for space before they can be rehomed further inland in safer settlements.
With a watchful eye, Burundi’s national authorities, supported by UNHCR, meticulously verify and screen the influx of newcomers. The goal is clear: identify those deserving international protection and enlighten them about available services. Registration paves the way to transit centers, where sustenance, potable water, and essential healthcare await. However, one can’t ignore the cracks in this system; transit centers, designed for a fraction of the numbers they’re hosting, are bursting at the seams. This overcrowding strains resources, amplifying tension among the newly arrived refugees. How does one maintain hope in such crowded corridors of despair?
In a show of solidarity, aligned with the Burundian government, UNHCR and partners make relentless efforts to secure essential aid for refugees. But every day poses new challenges; the weight of growing needs demands an urgent influx of resources. Can we sustain this momentum without broader support?
The backdrop to this influx stems from the turbulent eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. South Kivu recently became a theater of violence, displacing over 150,000 individuals. Of these, 85,000 now reside in newly-formed camps for internally displaced persons, confronting an appalling lack of fundamental amenities like water, shelter, and healthcare. Imagine the daunting task of providing rapid aid to areas welcoming returnees in North Kivu. With around 80 families making the weary trek back from South Kivu each day, the demand for essential services escalates.
Beyond the borders of Burundi, a cautious watch is maintained. Although the cross-border flight of refugees from the DRC remains low since the recent escalation, UNHCR teams in neighboring countries are primed to offer assistance, should the tide turn.
This new wave of refugees adds to the 91,000 already hosted by Burundi, predominantly from the DRC, with many having found a reluctant home here for decades. Their resilience echoes through time, highlighting the depth of the crisis that persists.
The gratitude for the welcome extended to those fleeing the DRC’s turmoil knows no bounds. Despite the bleakness, the spirit of solidarity rises, a balm for the bruise of conflict. As the international community observes, there’s a pressing call for an end to hostilities. Can we finally channel stronger efforts towards ensuring the safety and welfare of these beleaguered civilians?
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Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring
