Burundi Overwhelmed by 90,000+ Refugees Fleeing South Kivu Conflict in DR Congo
Gitega, Burundi – Burundi is facing a severe humanitarian crisis as more than 90,000 refugees from South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have sought asylum in the country since early December 2025. The rapid influx has led to severe overcrowding at the Busuma settlement in Ruyigi Commune, eastern Burundi, straining the site's limited infrastructure and exacerbating vulnerabilities among the displaced population.
According to a UNICEF Burundi Flash Report No. 2 released on December 31, 2025, a total of 90,790 asylum seekers were identified between December 6 and 31. The majority have been relocated to Busuma, a site originally designed for far fewer residents. This sudden concentration has pushed the settlement beyond its capacities, with reports highlighting inadequate accommodation, limited access to clean water, sanitation, and essential services. The situation is described as "particularly alarming" due to the poor conditions, raising immediate concerns for public health, child protection, and food security.
The refugee arrivals began intensifying around December 6, coinciding with escalated violence in South Kivu, a region long plagued by armed conflicts involving multiple militias, government forces, and rebel groups. Burundi's proximity to the DRC border—sharing a 236-kilometer frontier—has made it a primary destination for those fleeing the instability. Border points in provinces like Ruyigi and Muyinga have seen heavy crossings, with refugees reporting fears of ongoing clashes that have displaced thousands in the DRC.
Mounting Pressures at Busuma Settlement
Busuma, located in Ruyigi Province approximately 200 kilometers east of Burundi's capital Gitega, was established to host refugees from previous waves out of the DRC and Rwanda. However, the latest arrivals have overwhelmed its resources. The UNICEF report notes that relocation efforts by Burundian authorities and humanitarian partners have funneled most new arrivals to this single site, leading to makeshift shelters, overburdened latrines, and heightened risks of disease outbreaks such as cholera, which has historically affected crowded refugee settings in the region.
Children, who make up a significant portion of the refugee population, are particularly at risk. UNICEF emphasizes the need for urgent interventions in nutrition, health, and education to prevent malnutrition and protect against exploitation. Water trucking and sanitation improvements are underway, but the scale of the crisis demands scaled-up international support.
Burundian government officials have coordinated with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other agencies to manage the flow. Initial screenings at border points have identified the refugees' urgent needs, including medical care for injuries sustained during flight and psychological support for trauma.
Background: A Cycle of Instability in Eastern DRC
The current exodus is rooted in the protracted conflict in eastern DRC, where South Kivu has been a hotspot for violence since the 1990s. The province has endured cycles of fighting involving over 100 armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Twirwaneho militia, and resurgent M23 rebels, who have clashed with DRC government troops and UN peacekeepers. Recent escalations in late 2025, including intensified operations around Minembwe and Uvira, have displaced hundreds of thousands within the DRC and prompted cross-border flights.
Burundi has a long history of hosting DRC refugees, with UNHCR data indicating over 50,000 Congolese refugees already in the country prior to this surge. The nation itself grapples with economic challenges and its own history of political turmoil, including post-2015 election violence that led to refugee outflows from Burundi. Despite these pressures, Burundi maintains an open-border policy for those fleeing immediate danger, in line with East African Community protocols.
This influx adds to regional strains, as neighboring Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda also shelter large DRC refugee populations—totaling over 1.2 million across the Great Lakes region as of late 2025, per UNHCR figures. The African Union and international donors have repeatedly called for political solutions to the DRC conflict, including the stalled Nairobi and Luanda peace processes aimed at neutralizing armed groups.
Humanitarian Needs and Outlook
Immediate priorities include expanding Busuma's capacity through new tents, solar-powered water points, and malnutrition screening. UNICEF and partners are distributing hygiene kits and conducting vaccinations, but funding appeals are critical. The report underscores the risk of secondary displacement within Burundi if conditions deteriorate further.
As of early January 2026, the flow continues, with no immediate end in sight amid reports of sustained fighting in South Kivu. Burundian authorities have appealed for international aid, warning that without swift action, the crisis could spill over into broader instability. Regional bodies like the East African Community are monitoring the situation, while global attention remains focused on stabilizing the DRC to stem the refugee tide.
The unfolding crisis highlights the interconnected security challenges in the Great Lakes region, where conflict in one country reverberates across borders, testing the resilience of host nations like Burundi.
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