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Burundi + 4 more

ECHO Factsheet – Burundi Crisis – March 2017

Attachments

Key messages

  • Burundi is experiencing a multidimensional socio-economic crisis impacting different sectors and aspect of livelihoods, which has led to displacement and food insecurity. The violence that ensued after president Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term in office in 2015 triggered an exodus. More than 390 000 Burundians have fled the country and another 146 000 are reportedly internally displaced.

  • There are currently signs of a deterioration of the food security and nutrition situation, the extent of which is unclear as administrative restrictions prevent aid agencies from conducting independent needs assessments. Low rainfall has led to failed harvests and a 37% increase in food prices.

  • 900 000 people are expected to experience severe food shortages in the coming months while 56 000 severely malnourished children will require lifesaving treatment. 8 million malaria cases have been reported in 2016, a sharp increase which continues in 2017.

  • An average of 700 people continues to arrive daily in Tanzania, which hosts the majority of Burundian refugees. The refugee camps are full to capacity and are lacking enough shelter and clean water.

  • Citing the deteriorating economic situation as the main driver for refugees to leave Burundi, the Tanzanian authorities have said they will stop systematically granting prima facie refugee status to new arrivals. Burundi has embarked on a regional campaign to encourage refugees to return home and is pressing its case with its neighbours.

  • The European Commission has released €45.5 million in humanitarian aid since the start of the crisis in April 2015. Funds are used to meet the basic needs of refugees in the host countries and improve living conditions in the camps through the construction of new shelters, classrooms, water and sanitation infrastructure. There has also been a focus on providing health care services, protection and cash transfers.