Goto main content

More than 8,000 refugees in Burundi: HI assessing emergency situation

Emergency Protect vulnerable populations
Burundi

Following ongoing clashes in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 8,000 people have fled to southern Burundi since 24 January. HI has assessed the needs of the affected populations, in conjunction with the NGO Terre des Hommes, and is planning to launch an emergency response.

© Terre des Hommes/HI

More than 8,000 people have left South Kivu (Fizi territory) in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and are currently taking refuge on the west coast of Lake Tanganyika in Rumonge, southwestern Burundi. Some were transferred to camps in Cankuzo, Songore and Nyabitare[1]. The teams are currently assessing the presence of refugees in Makamba province.

 

HI, which has been working in Burundi for 25 years, travelled to the province of Rumonge with the NGO Terre des Hommes to assess the needs of the affected populations. There is a crucial lack of access to basic services, including housing, food and water. In addition, refugee populations need non-food relief items such as blankets, mosquito nets, mattresses and cooking equipment. Reduced access to sanitary facilities (latrines, etc.) has increased the risk of cholera epidemics.
Finally, many children, 65% of this refugee population, are unaccompanied by their families. They are therefore particularly at risk of violence or abandonment. They must be given greater protection.

“The needs of refugee populations, whose numbers are increasing, are considerable. We need funding to plan for the launch of an emergency response in order to help the most vulnerable people,” said Patrick Kelders, head of HI's Great Lakes projects in Africa.

 

[1]by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Where your
support
helps

PRESS CONTACT

CANADA

Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux

 

Help them
concretely

To go further

Mozambique is picking itself up four months after Cyclone Chido
© HI
Emergency Health Prevention Rehabilitation

Mozambique is picking itself up four months after Cyclone Chido

In December 2024, northern Mozambique was hit by a powerful cyclone. HI has stepped in to bring relief to the population, providing psychological support and helping to prevent the spread of disease.

Nepal earthquake: 10 years on...
© ADH /Timm Schamberger
Emergency Rehabilitation

Nepal earthquake: 10 years on...

On 25 April 2015, a terrible earthquake struck Nepal. 10 years later, HI looks back at an extraordinary emergency response and a commitment that continues to this day.

HI's vital support for survivors' ordeal
© HI / 2025
Emergency Rehabilitation

HI's vital support for survivors' ordeal

While thousands of disaster victims are being sheltered in improvised shelters and camps, HI's mobile teams are responding to the most urgent needs and supporting the most vulnerable.