ReliefWeb

Highlights

• UNHCR will organize a Regional Contingency Planning on 11 May in Nairobi.

Burundi

• Access to refugee hosting areas in Burundi remains difficult, although UNHCR is in telephone contact with leaders of different refugee communities.

• In Bujumbura today, demonstrations continued, with stone throwing and burning of tires even as the US President Barack Obama’s special envoy arrived in the city.

• Reports from Muyinga indicate that between 500 and 1,000 persons are crossing the border daily.

• Many unions have called for boycotts or disturbances of ceremonies planned to mark Labour Day tomorrow.

Tanzania

• In the last two days Nyarugusu has received thirty-six asylum seekers from Burundi with about 500 others reported at diverse border points to be transported to Nyarugusu camp by 1 May. Their dispersal presents immense logistical challenges for the Tanzania operation.

• From 25 April UNHCR started to be informed of the presence of asylum seekers in Kigoma region, starting with a family of eight (female head of household with her six children and a separated child), later joined by the husband, originating from Makamba province was reported in Kililema ward. UNHCR met them on 26 April and they explained that they fled Burundi due to fear of electoral violence. They were moved to Nyarangusu camp on 20 April.

• In the ensuing days, local authorities have informed UNHCR about new arrivals while others arrived spontaneously in Nyarangusu camp. In addition to the groups that have been reported and assisted, authorities have shared information that more people may have entered and for the moment remain in various villages.

• Notably, in Manyovu (a border area), all guest houses are fully booked, while this is normally not the case at this period of the year.