February 24th 2025.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has recently taken action to help those fleeing from the conflict-ridden Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In an effort to provide a safer environment for these refugees, the UNHCR has begun the process of relocating them to the neighboring country of Burundi.
Over 1,000 refugees who were previously staying at the Kaburantwa Catholic Parish in Buganda district, located in the Cibitoke province of northwest Burundi, boarded buses that would transport them to the Musenyi refugee site in the Giharo district of the Rutana province in southeast Burundi. Among them was Chantal Nabitu, who expressed her gratitude for the UNHCR's actions, stating that they are happy to be in a safer place and are hopeful for a better future in their new home.
Nabitu also shared her concerns about the ongoing war in the eastern provinces of DRC, which has disrupted the lives of many families and children. However, she expressed her appreciation for the support and aid provided by the UNHCR and the Burundian government.
During her visit to the Kaburantwa site, the UNHCR representative in Burundi, Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, emphasized the importance of following international conventions in the relocation process. She stated that it is crucial to provide these refugees with a safe and secure environment, away from the conflict-affected border regions.
Mukanga-Eno also reassured the refugees that they will have access to clean drinking water and food, thanks to the efforts of the World Food Programme. However, she highlighted the need for continued support from other organizations to ensure that these refugees are provided with the necessary resources beyond the initial two weeks.
In addition to providing basic needs, the UNHCR and the WFP are also working towards resuming education for the refugee children. According to a report by Xinhua news agency, the refugee site in Musenyi will also serve as a school for these children.
Following her visit to Kaburantwa, Mukanga-Eno also stopped at the Rugombo stadium in the Rugombo district, which currently houses over 30,000 DRC asylum-seekers. The relocation process for these refugees to camps in central and southeast Burundi is set to begin on Monday.
On February 19, the Burundian Minister of Interior, Community Development, and Public Security, Martin Niteretse, expressed the country's readiness to welcome and support the influx of DRC asylum-seekers. He also called for national and international solidarity to assist these refugees and address the humanitarian crisis they are facing. Niteretse also noted that among the asylum-seekers are members of the DRC's defence and security forces, and the number of new arrivals has significantly increased since February 14.
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