Refugee Surge from Congo Worsens Burundi’s Humanitarian Strain

Congo War: Refugee Influx Exacerbates Burundi's Humanitarian Crisis

February 22, 2025 - Rugombo Stadium, Burundi

The humanitarian situation in Burundi has rapidly deteriorated as more than 40,000 refugees have sought refuge from escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the United Nations, this surge in displacement follows intense clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese Armed Forces.

Brigitte Mukanga-eno, the UNHCR Representative in Burundi, highlighted the unprecedented scale of the refugee influx, noting that last week alone saw more than 9,000 people cross the border in a single day. "This is the first time Burundi has faced such a significant number of arrivals," Mukanga-eno remarked during a press briefing from Geneva.

The ongoing M23 offensive marks the gravest escalation in the decades-long conflict in eastern Congo, which has been fueled by the aftermath of Rwanda's 1994 genocide and the struggle for control over the region's rich mineral resources.

While Rwanda has denied claims from Congo, the UN, and Western nations that it is supporting M23 with arms and troops, it asserts that its actions are aimed at defending against a Hutu militia believed to be collaborating with the Congolese military.

Burundi, already grappling with its own challenges, is struggling to accommodate the growing number of refugees, many of whom have been displaced multiple times. According to the UN, several refugees have arrived in dire conditions, including injuries and health issues such as measles. One tragic account shared by UNHCR officials tells of a woman who lost both of her children to exhaustion after crossing into Burundi.

The majority of the refugees, approximately 36,000, have fled by crossing the Rusizi River on makeshift boats, while around 6,000 have entered through the official Bujumbura border crossing since February 14.

Mukanga-eno described the unfolding crisis as a severe strain on Burundi's already fragile resources: "The escalating situation in the DRC has had a significant impact on Burundi. We’ve observed large numbers of Congolese crossing into the country in recent weeks."

Currently, displaced individuals are being housed in temporary shelters at Rugombo Stadium, schools, and churches. UNHCR is working to relocate these refugees to a designated area where they can receive proper humanitarian assistance.

To address this mounting crisis, the UNHCR has launched an emergency appeal for $40.4 million to provide essential support to refugees not only in Burundi but also in neighboring Tanzania and Zambia. The agency has projected that up to 258,000 refugees may seek safety in these countries in the coming months.

Burundi has had a military presence in eastern Congo for years, initially aimed at combating Burundian rebel groups but more recently to assist in the fight against the M23 insurgency.