The ministry reported that between December 5 and 15, 2025, Burundi received 71,989 Congolese refugees and 8,700 returnees from DRC, fleeing escalating violence in the region.
The influx of refugees has placed immense pressure on temporary camps, including those in Ndava, Gatumba, Vugizo, Rumonge, and Makombe, which are already struggling to accommodate the growing number of displaced individuals.
Providing adequate shelter, food, security, and sanitation for these refugees has become a significant challenge.
Many of the refugees have chosen to live with local residents in surrounding villages, with some renting homes. However, the Burundian government has mandated that all refugees leave these villages and relocate to border camps, citing the need for better management and resources.
The government has also pointed out that, aside from the recent arrivals, there are other refugees who arrived earlier in 2025 who require immediate assistance.
In a statement, the ministry said, "The Government of Burundi urgently requests assistance from both domestic and international partners to address this growing humanitarian crisis. We appeal to humanitarian organizations, technical and financial partners, civil society, and faith-based groups to contribute towards a collective solution to this issue."
As part of efforts to better manage the situation, the government plans to move refugees to camps farther from the border, in line with international refugee protocols.
The AFC/M23 alliance, which has taken control of several areas in South Kivu Province near the Burundian border, was a key factor in the border closures at Gatumba and Vugizo. As a result, Lake Tanganyika is currently the only open passage for movement between the two countries.
The AFC/M23 also helped some Burundian nationals stranded in Uvira return to their home country. The alliance has urged the Burundian government to reopen the border, allowing Congolese refugees in Bujumbura Province to return to their homeland.
In response, the Burundian government stated that it is working on a long-term solution to repatriate those wishing to return, but emphasized that this process will only begin once the necessary conditions for a safe and sustainable return are in place.
As of October 31, 2025, UNHCR reported that Burundi had already hosted 110,746 Congolese refugees. Between December 5 and 16, an additional 82,275 refugees from areas such as Kamanyola, Luvungi, Katogota, and Uvira arrived in Burundi.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/burundi-seeks-support-for-congolese-refugees-amid-growing-crisis
