Burundi Shelters Overwhelmed as 80,000 Flee South Kivu Violence. Gitega, Burundi — Gitega, Burundi, has become a refuge for thousands of displaced individuals escaping the escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) South Kivu province.
The influx of over 80,000 people since the beginning of December has pushed the total number of displaced persons to over 200,000, according to the United Nations.
Officials commented on the matter. “So it is to be expected that by the end of this week we will be able to find around 25,000 people.
So we still need a lot, the needs are still there and the needs are growing.”.
Transit centers in Burundi have been stretched to their limits, with some facilities exceeding capacity by nearly 200 percent. This has led to dire living conditions for many families, as illustrated by Congolese refugee Maombe Sariue: “Since we left our village we have been sleeping outside, getting soaked in the rain.
We are sick, we have no medicine.
There was no shelter, no food. I am pregnant.
We need help.”.
The recent surge in displaced persons follows the capture of the South Kivu city of Uvira by Rwanda — backed M23 rebels. While M23 announced a withdrawal from the city late Wednesday night, the situation remains tense.
A spokesperson for the governor of South Kivu was unable to confirm the withdrawal.
Despite a US — mediated peace agreement signed earlier this month by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington, the conflict persists.
The agreement did not include the M23 rebel group, which is currently negotiating separately with Congo.
The accord, however, obliges Rwanda to halt support for armed groups like M23 and work to end hostilities.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has led to one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, with over 7 million people displaced, according to UNHCR. Further details are expected as the situation continues to unfold.
