Over 100 Congolese refugees die in Burundi camps

Congolese refugees living in camps in Burundi are facing a serious health crisis, with at least 105 deaths reported over the past two weeks. The information was released by the Citizens’ Organization for Peace and Community Coexistence (CPCC) in a report published on Monday, January 5, 2025. According to the report, CPCC Director Ahadi Bya Masu said living conditions in the refugee camps are alarming. He attributed the deaths to poor shelter, limited access to healthcare, and a lack of adequate humanitarian assistance. “The situation is critical. At least 105 refugees have already died in v

Congolese refugees living in camps in Burundi are facing a serious health crisis, with at least 105 deaths reported over the past two weeks. The information was released by the Citizens’ Organization for Peace and Community Coexistence (CPCC) in a report published on Monday, January 5, 2025. According to the report, CPCC Director Ahadi Bya Masu said living conditions in the refugee camps are alarming. He attributed the deaths to poor shelter, limited access to healthcare, and a lack of adequate humanitarian assistance. “The situation is critical. At least 105 refugees have already died in various camps due to extremely poor living conditions,” he said. Bya Masu also reported that refugees are sometimes attacked by armed individuals using weapons such as bows and arrows, further worsening their insecurity. Humanitarian organizations estimate that about 80,000 people from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) fled to Burundi, mainly settling in the Cibitoke and Bukinanyana areas, beginning on December 5. The refugees reportedly fled Uvira and nearby areas due to ongoing fighting between the Congolese army and AFC/M23 rebels. Upon arrival in Burundi, refugees faced increasingly difficult conditions. Local authorities acknowledged that they were unprepared for the sudden influx of people. In December, Burundi’s Ministry of Public Security appealed to international donors for urgent assistance to help support the refugees. Returning to the DRC has become difficult after Burundi closed its borders with the country. Burundian authorities have stated that the Gatumba and Vugizo border crossings will reopen once security conditions improve. Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media show desperate refugees attempting to cross bodies of water using jerrycans as flotation devices in efforts to return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.