As the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to move south, chaos and fear is spreading – not only to those who face the violence in the country but also to neighbouring Burundi, who is receiving thousands of refugees a week.
Desire Majambere, Tearfund’s Country Director for Burundi, says:
"Today, we see thousands of people—some of them very sick from their exhausting journeys on foot, others hopeless after losing their loved ones. Many do not know where their children are; they have no idea if they are still alive, have been killed, or have taken refuge in another direction.
“The influx of refugees has strained resources in Burundi, causing food prices and housing costs to soar. The ongoing conflict has not only impacted the national economy but also disrupted cross-border trade, impacting household economies, and the persistent insecurity in the region has fueled rumors of the violence spreading to Burundi, causing widespread concern. Tearfund is ready to support people who do decide to flee to other countries, but it is essential that peace and stability are secured for both the DRC and the wider region."
In an unprecedented development, more than 50,000 refugees, fleeing conflict and insecurity, have resorted to perilous journeys crossing the Rusizi River on foot, or in small boats, despite the dangers posed by hippos and crocodiles. This number is expected to rise as fighting in the DRC moves closer to Uvira, a town near the main official border crossing with Burundi. Tearfund has begun providing life-saving kits to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children under five.
Meanwhile, some Burundians who have been working in towns in the DRC have found themselves unable to return to their home country as their employers, fearing violence, fled suddenly without paying their staff.
Olivier *, a Burundian who has been working in a restaurant and living in the DRC away from his family since 2014, said:
"It’s been two days since I last saw my employer here in Baraka. I’ve just learned that he fled to Burundi with his family, afraid of potential clashes here. This has left me in a dire situation; he left without paying me my wages for the last three months. Now, I have no way to earn money to return to my family in Burundi.”
Poppy Anguandia, Tearfund’s Country Director for the DRC, says:
“In the context of the existing displacement crisis, the escalation of conflict since January is compounding the suffering of people who have been in dire need for many years. One of the most heartbreaking things about the current situation is seeing families torn apart and the trauma and uncertainty of not knowing when they will be reunited. One of our local partners has been providing healthcare and promoting gender equality on the road from Uvira to Baraka which has seen a massive influx of displaced people.”
Christine*, a mother of five based in the DRC, said:
“I’m traumatised, I’ve never seen anything like it. My family is in despair as the situation keeps getting worse. My husband already fled to Burundi, leaving us with no money or provisions, and I had to abandon my crops. I had to sell my four pieces of fabric and some valuable household items to pay for motorcycle transport for my family to Uvira. Even in Uvira, the gunfire was relentless, so we walked to Kalundja, where I had to pay excessive tolls at over 15 newly erected road blocks.”
To donate to Tearfund’s appeal please visit:tearfund.org/campaigns/democratic-republic-of-congo-emergency-appeal
*Name has been changed for protection.
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