The nearly 90,000 refugees who fled to Burundi after the recent escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo face dire conditions in cramped camps with limited access to food and water, according to aid agencies.
Fighting erupted after Congolese M23 rebels captured the city of Uvira near the border with Burundi, prompting the mass exodus as civilians sought safety. Although the rebels claim to have since withdrawn, the situation remains critical.
Medical charity MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières) has expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis, highlighting the urgent need for aid. The UN's refugee agency, UNCHR, has reported that children and women, including pregnant women, are particularly vulnerable, with some going without food for days.
MSF revealed it has been treating around 200 patients daily since the influx began in recent weeks. Many of the refugees are experiencing significant distress and exhaustion. Some women have given birth during their flight to safety, with MSF in Ndava revealing dire needs for maternal care.
The charity warned of potential outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and measles, alongside a surge in malaria cases among the vulnerable population. The World Food Programme is increasing assistance, aiming to reach over 210,000 affected people, providing hot meals to 71,000 new arrivals specifically.
Since early December, around half a million individuals have been displaced in South Kivu province amidst the chaos. The WFP revealed that health infrastructure has taken a serious hit, with hospitals reported looted and educational institutions closed.
The conflict escalated with the recent capture of Uvira and other cities like Goma and Bukavu. While the rebels asserted a withdrawal under US pressure, Congolese authorities have disputed this claim.
The situation highlights longstanding tensions involving external actors, notably accusations against Rwanda for supporting the M23 rebels—a claim Rwanda denies. An ongoing peace process, endorsed by Qatar, seeks to mitigate the extensive conflict that has plagued the region for years.
