Burundi Faces Humanitarian Crisis as Refugees Flood In
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has unleashed a humanitarian crisis in nearby Burundi, where over 84,000 refugees have sought shelter since early December. Save the Children reports alarming conditions in overcrowded camps, particularly for vulnerable children. The situation calls for immediate global attention.
- Advertisement -
- Over 84,000 people from DRC have crossed into Burundi due to intensified violence.
- Transit centres are severely overcrowded, lacking basic necessities.
- The government has declared a state of emergency in response to the crisis.
Desperate Journeys: The Struggle for Safety
Many families escaping the violence in South Kivu have undertaken arduous journeys, facing perilous conditions. They endure days of walking, risking their lives to cross treacherous rivers and survive harsh weather.
- Refugees often walk for three to four days before reaching transit centres.
- Basic supplies like food and water are in dire shortage.
- The journey can be dangerous, with families facing floods and rough terrains.
Personal Stories of Survival
Among those fleeing is Rosine, a mother of seven, who shared her harrowing experience. She and her family were caught in the crossfire, forcing them to abandon everything.
- Rosine’s family faced bombings and had to leave her injured mother behind.
- During their escape, they had to cross a swollen river, endangering their lives.
- Rosine describes the trauma her children face, haunted by the sound of gunfire.
Children at Risk: Effects of Displacement
Children in these camps are particularly vulnerable, facing hunger, exposure to disease, and psychological trauma. Many have abandoned their education, jeopardizing their futures.
- Save the Children highlights the critical needs of women and children among the refugees.
- Children report having experienced traumatic events, complicating their recovery.
- Educational aspirations have been dashed; many children long to return to school.
Voices of the Displaced
One child, Tina, spoke about her dreams of becoming a doctor and how the violence disrupted her schooling. Meanwhile, her mother, Lucia, fears for her children’s health and survival in their current conditions.
- Tina, 9, expressed her longing to continue her education.
- Lucia’s struggle involves keeping her children safe and fed amidst worsening conditions.
- Pediatric healthcare and nutrition are critical concerns voiced by caregivers.
Urgent Call for International Aid
The scale of need is overwhelming, prompting Save the Children to call for immediate international support. Geoffrey Kirenga, the organization’s Head of Mission in Burundi, emphasized the urgent requirements for food, clean water, and safe shelter.
- The UN appeal aims to raise over $33 million for humanitarian aid, but funding is critically low.
- Save the Children is providing essential hygiene items but requires more resources.
- International donors are urged to act quickly to alleviate the crisis faced by vulnerable families.
Conclusion: A Growing Crisis
As the desperate conditions for these Congolese refugees continue to deteriorate, collaboration between local and international organizations is crucial. The global community must act swiftly to protect those affected by this unfolding humanitarian crisis.
- Humanitarian organizations like Save the Children are working on the ground, but resources are insufficient.
- Coordinated international response is essential to address the needs of displaced families.
- The future of thousands of children depends on immediate action.
Source: Save the Children
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
