Attachments
NATURE OF EMERGENCY:
Location:
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On 2 April 2015, a joint rapid assessment was undertaken by the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR), UNHCR and WFP to Bugesera district to assess the needs of the asylum seekers who had crossed the border from Burundi to Rwanda. This mission was followed by the second assessment mission to Nyanza district on 3 April.
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There are currently over 3,000 asylum seekers from Burundi in Rwanda, located in the two temporary transit centres in Gashora sector in Bugesera district and in Muyira sector in Nyanza district. The rate of daily arrivals is steadily rising with a current rate of more than 400 new arrivals per day.
Cause:
- The political climate in Burundi remains highly polarized ahead of the general elections scheduled between May and September 2015, particularly over incumbent President Nkurunziza’s possible candidacy for a third term. The upcoming elections are considered as a critical milestone for the long-term peace and stability of Burundi. However, tensions are increasing and the political landscape is marred by polarization and limited political space.
Effects:
- Humanitarian partners anticipate that some 400,000 people would be affected during a possible election crisis and related violence. While the majority of displaced people are expected to remain within the country, others would attempt to cross the borders into Tanzania, DRC, Uganda, Rwanda and South Africa to seek protection and assistance. It is projected that some 300,000 people could be displaced, including 250,000 IDPs and 50,000 refugees.
Total numbers affected and in need of emergency food aid:
- Based on the joint assessments and MIDIMAR’s statistics and plans, some 20,000 people are expected to cross into Rwanda, requiring immediate food assistance in the coming three months.