Burundi is currently experiencing its most significant refugee crisis in decades, as thousands escape ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, according to recent information from the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).
The surge in violence has caused the number of refugees relying on food aid in Burundi to exceed 120,000, doubling from earlier this year. This increase has resulted from escalating clashes between Congolese government forces and rebels backed by Rwanda, who have taken control of two major cities, according to the WFP.
A significant number of those fleeing the violence are women and children, displaced by the conflict, which has intensified since January. At that time, the M23 rebel group captured the crucial city of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February, both significant strategic locations. Bukavu lies within close proximity to Burundi, less than 30 miles from its border.
Last week saw the first face-to-face dialogue between the presidents of Congo and Rwanda since these territorial gains, conducted in Qatar. The M23 faction is just one of approximately 100 armed groups currently clashing in the mineral-rich area, creating numerous humanitarian challenges.
The prolonged conflict in this region has made it one of the leading humanitarian emergencies worldwide, with over seven million individuals displaced over the years. As the fighting continues, the WFP has warned that funding for its relief efforts in Burundi is “stretched to the limit” and might be completely depleted by June. This lack of resources could potentially lead to the total suspension of food aid as soon as July or even earlier.