Attachments
Situation Update
- Approximately 65,000 people have crossed from DRC into Burundi since the beginning of 2025, fleeing the ongoing armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Out of those, more than 55,000 have arrived after 14 February 2025. There are about 128,000 refugees and asylum seekers from DRC in Burundi.
- The situation remains very fluid, and as fighting continues in South Kivu, people continue to cross into Burundi.
- Initially, people mainly arrived at the Gatumba border post close to Bujumbura. Since the weekend of 14 February, the influx has shifted to the province of Cibitoke, where people enter from DRC through informal entry points including by crossing the Rusizi River, with several cases of drowning reported by partners. An estimated 53% of arrivals are children; and 51% are women and girls. While verification of the new arrivals is ongoing, initial needs assessments suggest that many are in poor condition and suffering from severe emotional distress.
- In Cibitoke province, most arrivals are staying in Rugombo commune, where they are hosted in two schools and a stadium with minimal access to services. The commune of Rugombo currently hosts 42,124 individuals.
- The formal reception centers for asylum seekers and transit sites for returnees are reported to have surpassed their maximum housing capacity and are already overcrowded. There are plans by the Government to relocate people to two new sites, but these plans still need to be organized.
- On Wednesday, 19 February 2025, the Government of Burundi declared that all Congolese people, having arrived in Burundi since the start of 2025, will be granted prima facie refugee status.
- UNHCR leads the response under the “Refugee Response Framework” in close coordination and collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, in particular the Office National de Protection des Réfugiés et des Apatrides (ONPRA) and the Direction Générale du Rapatriement, de la Réinsertion et de la Réintégration (DGRRR). Within this framework, UNICEF plays a key role in WASH, Child Protection, Health, Nutrition, and Education.
- It is estimated that several hundred unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) and other highly vulnerable children are among the new arrivals. Given the intensity of the conflict in DRC and its casualties on civilians, it is expected - yet to be assessed - that a significant number of children are victims of grave violations (such as killing and maiming, sexual violence or even forced recruitment).
- On 26 February, UNICEF Representative visited the arrival sites in Cibitoke province jointly with Representatives from UNHCR and other UN agencies, to take stock of the current situation and support a coordinated response.