Bujumbura, Burundi — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has sounded the alarm, warning that the food assistance for over 130,000 refugees in Burundi, many of whom have fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)’s conflict, is at risk of ceasing unless USD 35 million in funding is secured promptly.
The assistance is critical for families who have escaped violence with only what they could carry, seeking safety and sustenance in Burundi.
The WFP’s Acting Country Director in Burundi, Arduino Mangoni, emphasized the urgency, stating, “Refugee families have already escaped from violence with little more than what they could carry. They came to Burundi looking for safety and something to eat, but now even that lifeline is at risk. “Without the requested funds, lifesaving food distributions are poised to end entirely from October 2026.
The WFP has been forced to reduce food rations, compromising refugees’health and nutrition, and faces the possibility of having to halt assistance due to funding shortfalls.
The situation has been exacerbated by the return of some refugees to the DRC, numbering around 33,000, likely driven by both the reduced rations and the ongoing insecurity in areas of origin.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s eastern regions have been the scene of ongoing conflict, leading to a large influx of refugees into neighboring countries, including Burundi.
The WFP is calling on the international community to act now to prevent a humanitarian emergency from deepening in a region already under considerable strain. Mangoni added, “A break in food assistance would come at the worst possible moment for families who have already lost so much. Timely funding will allow WFP to keep food moving, protect the most vulnerable, and help prevent a humanitarian emergency from deepening. “.
The WFP’s appeal comes amidst a broader global humanitarian crisis, where millions of people are facing extreme hunger. Despite some support from the international community, including the United States’announcement of over $1 billion in humanitarian and disaster response assistance, the WFP’s situation in Burundi remains critical.
The international community’s swift response to this crisis will be a critical indicator of its commitment to providing humanitarian aid where it is most needed.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: World Food Programme
