Burundi Situation Report: 08 - 14 Aug 2005

HIGHLIGHT
Displacement continues unabated in Bujumbura Rural, Bubanza and Cibitoke province. In some communes of Bujumbura Rural Province, families fearing for their lives leave their houses at night seeking safe hiding place. In Musigati Commune (Bubanza Province), every evening, families from Masare and Ruvyimvya areas are obliged to seek refuge in Musigati Town centre. Meanwhile, a hundred families from Mpishi and Kanazi areas have been displaced to Musigati for several weeks now. On August 12, WFP completed the distribution of food aid to Rugazi people who could not be served during the previous distribution due to insecurity inherent to combats between FNL rebel movement and FDN forces.

In Buganda Commune (Cibitoke Province), 117 landless households have been registered. Their reinstallation is underway. To this end, a joint mission comprised of OCHA, UNHCR, CRS and National Commission for assistance to the Vulnerable (CNRS) was conducted to assess the living conditions of these former returnees who had become displaced as they could not be reintegrated upon arrival from asylum. They are comprised of refugees from 1965, 1972 and 1993. There remain some other displaced persons who are awaiting their registration. Thanks to humanitarian actors including CRS, Adventist Church, HCR and CNRS, assistance to the Buganda displaced has been delivered. Unfortunately, local press has reported theft of the delivered assistance by IDPS' neighbours. To facilitate the temporary resettlement, required immediate actions include provision of non food items (plastic sheeting, blankets), mosquito nets and food aid assistance. In order to meet IDPs' long term needs, local authorities intend to allocate land where these vulnerable can build their houses with the support of UNHCR and its governmental partner CNRS. Special attention is required over health and education issues. Meanwhile, OCHA continues advocating for rapid implementation of the above mentioned immediate actions.

ACTIVITIES AND UPDATES

Health: following Cibitoke outbreak last month, cholera epidemic has broken out in the capital Bujumbura. The Ministry of Health has confirmed 53 cholera cases originating in the communes of Kinindo and Musaga in the period 3-16 August. 11 cases have been admitted in Prince Régent Hospital, the main referral facility for cholera treatment in Bujumbura Town. No death has been registered. WHO in collaboration with health NGOs are undertaking rapid surveillance assessments at health centres in Musaga, Kinindo and the communes of Bujumbura Rural neighbouring the capital. Response measures include establishment of isolation treatment unit, support to the cholera referral health facility, and improvement of the services quality. However, lack of health staff and fees are of concern.

WFP pipeline and food aid: during the week 1-7 August, WFP distributed 772MT of food aid to 77,609 beneficiaries.

Refugee returns: around 1,100 Burundian refugees have returned from Rwanda last week. Meanwhile, repatriation from Tanzania is increasing as it takes place twice a week. Over the last week, more than 2,700 returns have been registered. For the coming months, nearly 10,000 returnees per month are expected. As of August 15, UNHCR reports 27,433 facilitated and 1,105 spontaneous returnees. Total: 28,538.

Education: sectoral education coordination meeting was held to assess achievements reached in 2004-2005 and needs for 2006. One third of primary schools have been refurbished thanks to partners' assistance. However, there remain 26 priory schools either to construct or to rehabilitate.

In a bid to support education activities, local partners'involvement shows up remarkable achievements. On August 8, local organisation Maison Shalom delivered certificates to 18 youths who had completed the nine-month vehicle mechanic training. The top ten pupils have been admitted to take further courses in peace education, HIV/AIDS, cooperative management for an upgraded degree.

PROTECTION/SECURITY AND ACCESS

Bujumbura Rural/Bubanza/Cibitoke/Kayanza: due to ongoing clashes between FNL rebels and FDN forces in Bujumbura Rural and Bubanza provinces, residents are flushed out of their houses and their belongings are looted almost on a daily basis. In Cibitoke Province, FNL movements have been reported but have not triggered any population movement so far. Lootings attributed to these rebels who are reportedly hailing from Burundi's western neighbour, DRC, have been noted. On August 14, in Matongo and Muhuta (Kayanza Province) communes bordering the Kibira forest, fighting broke out as FNL rebels attacked an FDN military position, causing residents'displacement. Livestock and household property were stolen; no casualty was reported.

COORDINATION

Contact Group: the meeting was held on August 10 under the chairmanship of the Humanitarian Coordinator, Ibrahima D. Fall. OCHA presented the revised humanitarian coordination mechanisms with regard to the Burundi evolving context. The review stems from a wide consultation of humanitarian partners in the field. Participants contributed a series of suggestions that will be integrated in the final document to this end.

For Information

Adélaide Habonimana,
National Information Officer
PH: (257) 910 196
E-mail: habonimanaa@un.org