Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Burundi Overwhelmed by Congo Refugee Influx
A lot of people are running away from a fight in Congo and going to Burundi.
There are so many people coming that Burundi can't take care of them all.
The refugees are having a hard time because there isn't enough food, water, or clean places to go to the bathroom.
Some people even drowned when their boat tipped over.
Burundi needs help from other countries to take care of these refugees, but it's not sure if they will get it.
This has happened before this year, but even more people are coming now.
Over 84,000 refugees have fled Congo to Burundi this month due to ongoing conflict.
Burundi's resources are overwhelmed, leading to humanitarian emergencies.
Refugees face inadequate conditions, including food and water shortages, and cholera outbreaks.
Burundi has launched a $35 million appeal for immediate aid, but donor support is uncertain.
Earlier this year, 70,000 refugees fled to Burundi, and only half have returned.
- Who
- Refugees fleeing Congo, Burundi, UNHCR, M23 rebels
- What
- Humanitarian crisis due to refugee influx
- When
- December 2023
- Where
- Burundi, near the border with Congo's South Kivu region
- Why
- Ongoing conflict between M23 rebels and Congolese army
- Number of Refugees
- 84,000
- Location of Refugees
- Burundi
- Source of Conflict
- M23 rebels in Congo
- Humanitarian Appeal
- $35 million
- Previous Influx
- 70,000 refugees earlier this year
- Current Conditions
- Overcrowding, cholera outbreaks, resource shortages
- UNHCR Representative
- Brigitte Mukanga-eno