Bujumbura, Burundi – A Nation Strained by Unprecedented Refugee Influx

In a world already beset with myriad challenges, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) turbulence has spilled over into its neighbor, Burundi. Facing what could be described as a humanitarian avalanche, Burundi stands witness to the largest wave of refugees it has seen in decades. What does this mean for a nation that is already grappling with its own set of hurdles?

In less than a month’s time, Burundi has opened its arms to nearly 63,000 souls. One can hardly grasp the scale of this when on March 5 alone, over 1,100 individuals trudged across the border. Although the pace of arrivals showed a slight decrease of late, Burundi remains a daily witness to the tireless journey of hundreds stepping onto its soil through 11 unofficial crossings. Women, children, and the elderly form the fabric of this hopeful yet vulnerable tapestry.

Refugees recount their journeys with a palpable blend of fear and hope. Imagine new mothers balancing newborns in tender grips as they brave the Rusizi River’s treacherous waters. Could you walk for hours, overunforgiving terrain, shrouded by night, without rest, propelled by the simple urge to survive? One 45-year-old mother’s tale is déjà vu—a reflection of her teenage escape, but this time with six children in tow. Many children make this passage alone, their small hands separated from the ones meant to guide them.

Compounding their plight, some refugees find themselves paying steep fares for transportation, sometimes three times the usual cost. For many, the cost is prohibitive, fencing them away from the sanctuary that is within sight.

Burundi has responded by setting up reception and transit stations where registration, shelter, and emergency assistance are a prime focus. Partnered with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Burundi strives to bridge the gap between dire need and timely aid.

At present, over 45,000 refugees call a stadium in Rugombo home, awaiting relocation to more permanent shelter options. The stadium has long outgrown its capacity, forcing many to seek shelter in open fields or lean on the generosity of local families.

In a bid to bolster their resilience, UNHCR has erected a protection desk offering psychosocial support to new arrivals. It’s a crucial line of defense for unaccompanied children, survivors of sexual violence, and those requiring urgent medical attention. Yet resources remain direly scant. Basic essentials like proper sanitation are challenged, sowing the seeds for potential disease outbreaks.

Efforts are underway to relocate refugees to sites further within the country, such as the Musenyi refugee site, nestled in the south. Designed to host 10,000, it is already at 60% capacity. Here, the community shelters see new faces, while UNHCR and partners hasten to build more robust homes. Basic needs like food and water are available, with local health facilities at the ready. Recognizing the potential for further inflow, the Burundi government scouts for more land to accommodate upcoming arrivals.

There is an urgent cry for medical services, with a special focus on the wounded and those suffering trauma. Ensuring a semblance of childhood persists, UNHCR aims to construct classrooms within local schools and learning hubs.

The situation paints a compelling picture for why global solidarity is imperative. Burundi, like countless other nations, needs a lifeline—a swift flow of support to thwart further suffering and fear.

As of March 5, reports indicate that around 85,000 people have fled the DRC. This starkly contrasts with the fewer than 7,000 that sought refuge in neighboring countries during the initial months of 2024. The numbers are more than mere statistics; they echo stories of human resilience, adversity, and hope.

For those keen to engage further in this unfolding narrative, please reach out to:

• Bujumbura: Faith Kasina, [email protected], +254 113 427 094
• Bujumbura: Bernard Ntwari, [email protected], +257 69 91 80 00
• Kinshasa: Hanson Tamfu, [email protected], +243 825 257 774
• Pretoria (regional): Duniya Aslam Khan, [email protected], +27 84 585 720
• Geneva: Olga Sarrado Mur, [email protected], +41797402307
• Geneva: Eujin Byun, [email protected], +41 79 747 8719

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.