ICRC and Burundi Red Cross Support Congolese Refugees in Busuma Camp DATELINE: Busuma Camp, Burundi LEDE: Amidst the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Burundi Red Cross (CRB) are providing crucial support to Congolese refugees, including Espérance Sakina Hatari, a former teacher who now resides in the Busuma camp in Eastern Burundi. NUT GRAF: The intensification of fighting in the DRC’s Eastern provinces has led to widespread displacement, with many refugees seeking safety in neighboring Burundi.
The ICRC and CRB are actively working to ensure that these individuals receive the necessary assistance and support to rebuild their lives.
In the wake of the M23 campaign’s escalation, numerous families have been torn apart as they flee the violence. Espérance Sakina Hatari, once a teacher nurturing young minds, now finds herself among the thousands who have fled to the Busuma camp. She speaks of the harsh realities of life in the camp: “The situation is not easy, as we left with nothing.
We have abandoned everything except our children. Many of us have no food, shelter, clothing, or blankets. We sleep on the ground in makeshift shelters, and our children suffer from cold and hunger.
Officials commented on the matter. “Her story is echoed by many others, including Furahisha Matumaini, a mother of three whose family was torn apart by a bomb attack. “My husband and two children were killed, and I saw their bodies.
But I haven’t seen my three-year-old daughter, Kabinti Meri. I am distraught by this painful separation. “.
The ICRC and CRB have implemented a comprehensive response to support these families. Their efforts include registering unaccompanied children and providing free phone calls to those separated from their loved ones. They also offer connectivity services, enabling families to stay in touch despite the distance.
Noémie Niyongere, the ICRC’s program manager for family links protection, emphasizes the presence of many unaccompanied children in the camps: “We have tried to identify and register them. Currently, we are following up with our colleagues in the DRC to locate their families. Many refugees have no shelter, which is dramatic.
People suffer greatly during rain or extreme heat.
The assistance they receive is inadequate given the scale of their needs. There is still a need for shelter, food, access to clean water, and hygiene measures. “.
In 2025, the ICRC facilitated over 10,300 phone calls to help refugees and asylum seekers reconnect with their families.
Additionally, more than 123,700 phones were recharged in transit centers and camps, and over 27,260 people gained access to Wi-Fi to stay in touch. Moreover, over 1,300 Messages Croix-Rouge were exchanged between family members separated by the conflict, and 730 new cases of unaccompanied children were registered.
The ICRC and CRB’s efforts in Burundi exemplify the significant impact that dedicated humanitarian organizations can have in times of crisis.
As the situation in the DRC continues to evolve, their steadfast commitment to providing assistance is crucial for the survival and well — being of the displaced population.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: International Committee of the Red Cross
