Bujumbura: More than 80,000 people have crossed from the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s South Kivu since the start of December, according to the United Nations, bringing the total number of displaced individuals to over 200,000. Aid workers are facing significant challenges in accommodating the influx.
According to Nam News Network, the UN refugee agency UNHCR has reported that transit centers in Burundi are operating at nearly 200 percent capacity, leaving many families in dire conditions. Simplice Kpandji, a staff member at one of the transit centers, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the needs continue to grow while resources remain limited.
The recent surge in displaced individuals has left hundreds of families without adequate shelter or access to basic necessities. Congolese refugee Maombe Sariue described the hardships faced since fleeing their village, emphasizing the lack of shelter, food, and medical care.
The situation has been exacerbated by recent military developments. After M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, seized control of the South Kivu city of Uvira, the humanitarian crisis intensified. Although M23 began withdrawing from the city, the humanitarian impact remains significant.
Despite a US-mediated peace agreement signed by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, the conflict persists. Washington has accused Rwanda of violating the deal by supporting the M23 offensive, threatening to take action against those undermining the agreement. The accord obliges Rwanda to cease support for armed groups like M23, which remains one of over 100 armed groups vying for control in the resource-rich region.