“Human Tragedy” and “Desolation” of Congolese Refugees in Burundi and Tanzania

Burundi and Tanzania, neighboring countries of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are hosting hundreds of thousands of Congolese refugees fleeing clashes between government forces and the Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 rebellion. These hostilities have led to the fall of Uvira and other localities, expanding rebel influence across North Kivu and South Kivu in eastern DRC. In response, the Congolese government, led by the Minister of State for Social Affairs and Humanitarian Action, Ève Bazaiba Masudi, conducted a humanitarian mission to both countries to support refugees, deliver assistance, strengthen coordination with host governments, and assess needs alongside international partners. Following the mission, the minister described the situation as one of “human tragedy” and “desolation.” Speaking at a press conference in Kinshasa on Saturday, January 17, she declared: “This is a devastating human tragedy. Our compatriots did not flee because of poverty or climate change, but because of the hostilities and the aggression carried out through AFC/M23 proxies.” Alarming Figures Burundi currently hosts approximately 250,000 Congolese refugees, spread across seven sites. The largest site, Busuma, shelters 67,000 people, including 30,000 children and 2,200 unaccompanied minors. Tanzania is hosting around 87,000 Congolese refugees, including 50,000 children under 18. Recent arrivals include nearly 10,000 people, and 28 births were recorded on the day of the Congolese delegation’s visit. Humanitarian Crisis and Funding Shortfalls The minister warned of a severe shortage of international humanitarian funding, noting that many major donors have reduced or withdrawn support, forcing host countries to shoulder an increasing burden. Despite its own challenges, the DRC government has become the main donor supporting its refugees, an exceptional step under international humanitarian law. “Under normal circumstances, the country of origin does not intervene directly. But exceptional circumstances require exceptional measures,” Ève Bazaiba emphasized. Humanitarian aid delivered included food and non-food items, supported by a special memorandum of understanding between the Congolese government, UNHCR, and Burundi, allowing direct intervention. Appeal for National Solidarity Commending the resilience and patriotism of the refugees, who expressed a strong desire to return home once peace is restored, Ève Bazaiba issued a national call to action: “I appeal to the national solidarity of all Congolese, at home and abroad, to come to the aid of our compatriots in distress. Let us be true soldiers of the digital army and of the nation.” She urged citizens to mobilize, especially through digital platforms, to defend the national cause and support vulnerable populations. Security Context This humanitarian emergency unfolds amid continued territorial gains by the AFC/M23, despite its controversial announcement of withdrawal from Uvira. Congolese authorities believe this declaration is aimed at reducing international pressure, particularly on Kigali, while the rebels continue to consolidate control and establish parallel administrations. Once a strategic security hub in South Kivu, the fall of Uvira has significantly strengthened the rebellion’s grip on eastern DRC and is viewed as a potential gateway toward the Greater Katanga region, the economic heart of the country. The Congolese government insists that only sustained international pressure, national solidarity, and concrete humanitarian action can prevent further suffering and restore dignity to displaced populations.

Faits rapportés

Burundi and Tanzania, neighboring countries of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are hosting hundreds of thousands of Congolese refugees fleeing clashes between government forces and the Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 rebellion. These hostilities have led to the fall of Uvira and other localities, expanding rebel influence across North Kivu and South Kivu in eastern DRC. In response, the Congolese government, led by the Minister of State for Social Affairs and Humanitarian Action, Ève Bazaiba Masudi, conducted a humanitarian mission to both countries to support refugees, deliver assistance, strengthen coordination with host governments, and assess needs alongside international partners. Following the mission, the minister described the situation as one of “human tragedy” and “desolation.” Speaking at a press conference in Kinshasa on Saturday, January 17, she declared: “This is a devastating human tragedy. Our compatriots did not flee because of poverty or climate change, but because of the hostilities and the aggression carried out through AFC/M23 proxies.” Alarming Figures Burundi currently hosts approximately 250,000 Congolese refugees, spread across seven sites. The largest site, Busuma, shelters 67,000 people, including 30,000 children and 2,200 unaccompanied minors. Tanzania is hosting around 87,000 Congolese refugees, including 50,000 children under 18. Recent arrivals include nearly 10,000 people, and 28 births were recorded on the day of the Congolese delegation’s visit. Humanitarian Crisis and Funding Shortfalls The minister warned of a severe shortage of international humanitarian funding, noting that many major donors have reduced or withdrawn support, forcing host countries to shoulder an increasing burden. Despite its own challenges, the DRC government has become the main donor supporting its refugees, an exceptional step under international humanitarian law. “Under normal circumstances, the country of origin does not intervene directly. But exceptional circumstances require exceptional measures,” Ève Bazaiba emphasized. Humanitarian aid delivered included food and non-food items, supported by a special memorandum of understanding between the Congolese government, UNHCR, and Burundi, allowing direct intervention. Appeal for National Solidarity Commending the resilience and patriotism of the refugees, who expressed a strong desire to return home once peace is restored, Ève Bazaiba issued a national call to action: “I appeal to the national solidarity of all Congolese, at home and abroad, to come to the aid of our compatriots in distress. Let us be true soldiers of the digital army and of the nation.” She urged citizens to mobilize, especially through digital platforms, to defend the national cause and support vulnerable populations. Security Context This humanitarian emergency unfolds amid continued territorial gains by the AFC/M23, despite its controversial announcement of withdrawal from Uvira. Congolese authorities believe this declaration is aimed at reducing international pressure, particularly on Kigali, while the rebels continue to consolidate control and establish parallel administrations. Once a strategic security hub in South Kivu, the fall of Uvira has significantly strengthened the rebellion’s grip on eastern DRC and is viewed as a potential gateway toward the Greater Katanga region, the economic heart of the country. The Congolese government insists that only sustained international pressure, national solidarity, and concrete humanitarian action can prevent further suffering and restore dignity to displaced populations.