Aid operations stretched to the limit in Burundi by ongoing DR Congo crisis

 Aid operations stretched to the limit in Burundi by ongoing DR Congo crisis

The UN agency has swiftly mobilized additional resources to address but the sharp rise in refugee numbers has put immense pressure on all assistance operations in the region.

Since the beginning of the year nearly 70,000 individuals – primarily women, children, and the elderly – have crossed into Burundi seeking refuge from the intensifying conflict in DRC.

Many have made perilous river crossings and embarked on long journeys to escape violence.

As refugee numbers continue to swell, this marks one of the largest influxes into Burundi in decades, with more arrivals each day. According to reports, many are arriving with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

The movement of refugees has also increased across DRC’s border with Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, in less than three months, the number of Congolese fleeing has surged to over 100,000.

This trend is exacerbating food insecurity throughout the region, further complicating efforts to provide adequate support. Critical funding gaps are severely hampering humanitarian efforts.

More:

https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/03/1161491?utm_source=UN+News+-+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4ca56e868a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_03_25_07_53&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fdbf1af606-4ca56e868a-436933316