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Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
During March 2026, Burundi continued to face a highly strained humanitarian situation marked by sustained refugee presence, accelerated returns of Burundian refugees from Tanzania and persistent food and nutrition insecurity, further overstretching already fragile basic social services.
As a result of the refugees influx from the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in December 2025, the Busuma refugee site is now hosting 14,047 households (66,636 people), including 59 per cent children (39,643 ), 52 per cent women and girls, and 3 per cent elderly people. In addition, 5,992 refugees remain in Cishemere transit site and 2,330 in Makombe, while Musenyi hosts 18,067 refugees from earlier arrivals. A biometric registration exercise has begun at Busuma to strengthen population data and service delivery planning. Overcrowding continues to strain WASH, health, nutrition, education, protection and shelter services. Returns of Burundian refugees from the United Republic of Tanzania have accelerated since January 2026, with over 62,000 returnees recorded as of 30 March 2026, increasing pressure on transit centres, basic services and host communities.
The epidemiological situation remains relatively calm and under control, although vigilance is required. Cholera transmission is contained, while measles cases reported in Busuma continue to be closely monitored. Nutrition conditions remain critical, with persistent cases of Severe and Moderate Acute Malnutrition linked to food insecurity and limited service capacity.
Humanitarian needs continue to exceed available resources.
Situation in Numbers
632,989 children in need of humanitarian assistance (Multicounty Great lakes HAC 2026-Burundi)
1,285,828 people in need (Multicounty Great lakes HAC 2026- Burundi)
≈89,000 Internally displaced people (IDPs)
≈90,790 people currently displaced by the conflict in Eastern DRC (UNHCR CORE March 2026)
62,038 Burundian returnees from Tanzania (UNHCR)