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Refugees in Burundi struggle with food and water shortages
Close to 90,000 people who fled escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) now endure overcrowded camps in Burundi with scarce food and clean water, humanitarian organizations report.
M23 rebels seize key city before partial withdrawal
The Congolese rebel group M23 recently overran Uvira, a city near the Burundian border, displacing hundreds of thousands. The rebels announced a withdrawal days later, though Congolese officials dispute the claim.
Health risks rise as aid groups sound alarm
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) treats approximately 200 refugees daily, describing conditions as critical. Zakari Moluh, MSF's project coordinator, said many arrive in distress, including women who gave birth while fleeing.
"We see people in a state of despair and exhaustion. We see women who gave birth while fleeing, some that give birth in our clinic."
Zakari Moluh, MSF Project Coordinator
MSF warns of potential cholera, measles, and malaria outbreaks among the vulnerable population.
UN agencies scale up emergency assistance
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) highlights the plight of children and women, including pregnant women, some of whom have gone days without food. Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) is expanding aid to over 210,000 displaced people in South Kivu province, where nearly half a million have been uprooted since early December.
WFP provides hot meals to 71,000 newly arrived refugees in Burundi but warns that local services are collapsing. Health centers have been looted, medicines are unavailable, and schools remain closed.
Diplomatic efforts complicate rebel withdrawal
M23's capture of Uvira follows earlier seizures of Goma and Bukavu, expanding their control in eastern DRC. The U.S. brokered a peace deal between the Congolese and Rwandan governments, though M23 was not a signatory. The U.S. accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a claim Rwanda denies.
A parallel peace process led by Qatar, a U.S. ally with ties to Rwanda, includes M23. However, Congolese authorities question the rebels' reported withdrawal from Uvira.
Funding crisis threatens aid continuity
WFP urgently appeals for additional funding to sustain food assistance over the next three months, as resources dwindle amid the growing crisis.
