Nearly 90,000 refugees who have fled to Burundi from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are facing dire conditions in overcrowded camps with limited access to essential resources like food and water, according to aid agencies.
The recent violence, marked by the M23 rebels' capture of Uvira— a city near the Burundi border— has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes.
Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised alarms about the increasing crisis. They reported treating an average of 200 people daily since the refugee influx began two weeks ago, highlighting severe distress among the newcomers.
Women and children are among the worst affected, with some pregnant women giving birth while fleeing. MSF has warned of a heightened risk of epidemic diseases such as cholera and measles, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) is ramping up its efforts to aid over 210,000 vulnerable individuals affected by the violence. They noted that approximately half a million people have been displaced in South Kivu province alone since early December.
Although the M23 declared a withdrawal from Uvira under US pressure, this has been contested by local authorities amid ongoing concerns about the rebel group’s influence.
As the humanitarian crisis evolves, continued international support and funding are urgently needed to address the escalating needs of those affected by the conflict and displacement.
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