Attachments
Population included in the response plan: Refugees, Returnees, Third-Country National and Migrants
Context and summary situational analysis
Since early 2025, the Great Lakes region has witnessed a significant escalation in violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Intense clashes between armed groups, notably the M23 rebel group and other local militias, have led to massive displacement of civilian populations. With this situation, many refugees are heading for neighboring countries, particularly Burundi, which shares a 236 km long border with the DRC region of South Kivu.
When articulating the planning figures, the following high-risk scenarios were considered:
A. If the conflict continues without cessation of hostilities through political dialogue,
B. Conflict spilling into Uvira and surrounding territories (new conflict zones leading to mass displacement),
C. Interruption of life-saving humanitarian assistance/services for displaced and vulnerable members of the community leading to displacement within and out of the DRC seeking life-saving assistance, and
D. Supplies and public service interruptions in large and medium-sized urban areas triggering displacement.
This response plan is based on the activated inter-agency contingency plan that was developed in coordination with the authorities and partners. It reflects the third scenario of the contingency plan (Scenario C) based on the number of new arrivals in February 2025 alone, which reached 67,000 individuals seeking international protection as of March 19, 2025.
As the refugee influx into Burundi reached a critical point, with thousands of individuals fleeing conflict and instability in the DRC, the country faces a significant humanitarian challenge. Struggling to accommodate a growing number of refugees arriving at various sites and transit centres who are often displaced by violence and insecurity, and require immediate assistance, including protection, shelter, food assistance and medical care.
As the situation worsens, the burden on Burundi's resources intensifies, compelling international organizations and humanitarian actors to step in and provide support. The scale of the crisis highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions, both in terms of emergency relief and long-term strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of the displaced population. The situation remains fluid, with new arrivals continuing to pour in, making it imperative for both national and international communities to respond swiftly and effectively.
In light of the existing arrivals and the projected new arrivals, this plan proposes responses to this situation. All these measures form part of an integrated, multi-sectoral response, mobilizing substantial financial and human resources to cope with the massive influx of refugees and ensure their protection, dignity and access to vital services in a region beset by protracted conflict and heightened tension.
This response plan has been incorporated into the Democratic Republic of the Congo Regional Refugee Response Plan (DRC RRP), which addresses both the 90,000 pre-existing Congolese refugee population in Burundi and the anticipated 90,000 new refugee arrivals in 2025.