Escalating violence in eastern DR Congo deepens humanitarian crisis in Burundi

Description

“This is a heartfelt appeal, a cry for help that I am making today.” UNHCR staff Cedric Kalonji Mfunyi speaks from Busuma (Bweru site) in Burundi, where more than 50,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo have been relocated since early December 2025. Since early December 2025, almost 90,000 people fleeing escalating clashes in DRC’s South Kivu have crossed into Burundi. The Government of Burundi has designated a new site for the ongoing arrivals, Bweru, in Ruyigi Buhumuza province in the east of the country to ease congestion in existing sites. However, conditions there remain extremely dire. Many families are still sleeping in the open due to lack of tents, leaving thousands exposed to harsh conditions in a high-altitude area where evening temperatures drop sharply amid ongoing rains. Immediate supplies, especially more shelters, latrines, water, food and medical stocks are critical to ensure people can access the help they need. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information for media: If you would like to use this video to communicate refugee stories or require B-Roll, transcripts, stills or much more information, please visit our media page: https://media.unhcr.org UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, works to protect and assist those fleeing war and persecution. Since 1950, we have helped tens of millions of people find safety and rebuild their lives. With your support, we can restore hope for many more. Learn more on our website: http://UNHCR.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Published to Youtube on: 24/12/2025

Archived on: 24/12/2025

Original URL (may no longer be available): https://youtube.com/watch?v=Js_jzDlJIqM