Geneva/Gitega: Burundi is grappling with an escalating humanitarian crisis as more than 40,000 people have crossed into the country in just two weeks, fleeing intense fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations reported on Friday.
Unprecedented Surge in Refugees
Brigitte Mukanga-eno, the UNHCR Representative in Burundi, described the unprecedented influx, stating, “Last week more than 9,000 people crossed in one day … This is the first time Burundi has received this large number of people.” She spoke via video link to reporters in Geneva, highlighting the immense strain on Burundi’s limited resources.
The surge in refugees follows a renewed offensive by the M23 rebel group, marking the most severe escalation in over a decade of conflict in eastern Congo. The violence stems from longstanding tensions linked to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing battles over Congo’s mineral-rich territories.
Burundi is facing a rapidly worsening humanitarian situation as more than 40,000 people have fled there in two weeks to escape fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations said https://t.co/vvEskRJ39m pic.twitter.com/x3CvcvPUI3
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 21, 2025
Rwanda’s Role and Regional Tensions
Congo, the United Nations, and Western nations have accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels with weapons and troops—an allegation Kigali strongly denies. Rwanda insists that its actions are defensive, aimed at countering the threat posed by a Hutu militia that it claims is operating alongside the Congolese military.
Humanitarian Emergency in Burundi
The rapid arrival of refugees has overwhelmed several areas in northwest Burundi. Many of those fleeing have been displaced multiple times, and some have arrived in dire conditions, suffering from injuries or illnesses such as measles, according to U.N. officials.
Mukanga-eno shared a harrowing account of a woman whose two children died from exhaustion shortly after reaching Burundi’s border.
The UNHCR estimates that 36,000 refugees have made the perilous journey across the Rusizi River on makeshift boats, while another 6,000 have entered via the official border crossing in Bujumbura since February 14.
“The escalating situation in the DRC has had a big impact on Burundi. Over the past few weeks, we have observed large numbers of Congolese crossing into Burundi,” Mukanga-eno said.
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Aid Efforts and Funding Shortages
The UNHCR is working to relocate the displaced, who are currently sheltering in an open-air stadium, schools, and churches, to a designated area where humanitarian aid can be more effectively provided. However, the agency warns that resources are insufficient.
To address the crisis, the UNHCR has launched an emergency appeal for $40.4 million to support up to 258,000 potential refugees fleeing into Burundi, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Meanwhile, Burundi has maintained a military presence in eastern Congo for years—initially to target Burundian rebels but more recently to assist in operations against M23.
