‘We want to go home’: Congolese refugees face desperate conditions in Burundi camp

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Long distance drivers suspend DRC-bound cargo after 12 drivers reportedly killed

Listen About 35,000 refugees remain at the camp, even as more than 20,000 have returned to areas considered safe in the DRC since April through a voluntary return programme led by the United Nations.

For Ibonge Alinoti, fleeing violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was supposed to mark the beginning of a safer life. But months after arriving at Busuma refugee camp in eastern Burundi, she says the struggle to access food, shelter and basic necessities has left her wondering whether returning home is the only option. “It feels as though we are goats tied to a stake and left there to graze,” says Alinoti, who arrived at the camp in December 2025 after fleeing clashes near Uvira in the DRC. “I thought I would be able to go home in April, but we are still in this camp where everything is in short supply. We are suffering so much.” More To Read Long distance drivers suspend DRC-bound cargo after 12 drivers reportedly killed Inside Belgium's investigation into President Félix Tshisekedi’s family DRC presidency bars officials from contacting Belgian embassy after Brussels raids Kenyan truck drivers safe after reported rebel capture in DRC, association issues security alert UN says peace possible in DRC despite continued fighting Joseph Kabila faults Félix Tshisekedi for 'choosing war' over peace in DRC More than 10 months after tens of thousands of Congolese refugees sought safety in Burundi, conditions at Busuma remain precarious, with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warning that dwindling humanitarian funding could worsen an already desperate situation. About 35,000 refugees remain at the camp, even as more than 20,000 have returned to areas considered safe in the DRC since April through a voluntary return programme led by the United Nations. For those who remain, access to food, adequate shelter and basic sanitation continues to be a challenge. MSF says several humanitarian organisations supporting refugees could run out of funding in the coming weeks, threatening services that thousands of people depend on. Latest Stories AU marks 40 years of African Charter on Human Rights with renewed commitment Study finds fruit intake may ease teen mental health risks Book review: Inside Achieng’ Oneko's new book exploring land injustice, tribal politics and Kenya’s broken promises Ruto’s appointee Ambassador Peter Munyiri joins DCP, declares Nyeri gubernatorial bid Food and cash distributions have repeatedly been reduced due to funding shortages, while shelters constructed at the beginning of the crisis are deteriorating. Designed to last about six months, many are now struggling to withstand the rains. Humanitarian crisis “If nothing changes, the situation could once again become extremely critical,” says Ouo-ouo Sakouvogui, MSF’s emergency response coordinator at the camp. The outlook for humanitarian assistance is increasingly uncertain. Some organisations have funding commitments only until the end of 2026, while others have no confirmed funding beyond October. MSF warns that several could be forced to withdraw as early as the beginning of 2027 despite the continuing needs. Beyond the shortage of food and shelter, overcrowding and poor sanitation are exposing refugees to health risks. Emergency interventions earlier in 2026 helped improve sanitary conditions and bring cholera and measles outbreaks under control. However, access to basic facilities remains inadequate. In September, there was just one latrine for every 119 people and one shower for every 242 people at Busuma, according to MSF. The onset of the rainy season could make matters worse, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases after infections declined during the dry months. The organisation has also warned that forecasts associated with El Niño could further complicate conditions. The health burden is already significant. Between July and September, MSF teams conducted more than 12,000 outpatient consultations in the camp and the surrounding host community, mainly for respiratory and intestinal infections. More than 300 people also received specialised medical care. But the crisis extends beyond physical illness. Many refugees are struggling with the psychological effects of violence, displacement, bereavement and the uncertainty of life in the camp. Vanessa Niyonizigiye, an MSF clinical psychologist working at Busuma, says teams are seeing depression, anxiety, psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder among people struggling to cope with their circumstances. “Many people are deeply desperate. Aid is dwindling, while some people do not even have a tarpaulin or a blanket to protect themselves,” she says. When going home seems like the only option For Asiya Bipemaju, who fled the DRC in mid-December 2025, the daily struggle has become overwhelming. She now shares a shelter with 14 other refugees. After leaving everything behind to escape violence, she says she arrived in Burundi only to face new fears, including disease, hunger and the distress of seeing people die around her. “Now we are struggling to sleep and feed our children. All these problems are weighing heavily on me. Honestly, I am overwhelmed. I want to go home,” she says. Her experience reflects the difficult choices facing refugees who no longer see life in the camp as sustainable but may still face insecurity if they return. Alinoti says she has fled violence in the DRC three or four times and knows that returning home does not guarantee lasting safety. “We simply do not want to stay here. There is too much suffering and not enough aid. We do not want money; we want to leave,” she says. “I have already fled violence three or four times in the Congo. If it happens again, we will flee again.” MSF says the situation should warn of the consequences of allowing humanitarian assistance to shrink while displaced families remain dependent on aid. “It is unacceptable that refugees should feel they would rather risk their lives than remain in a camp that is supposed to protect and support them,” says Adélaïde Ouabo, MSF’s programmes coordinator in Burundi. The organisation is calling for urgent action to secure funding and maintain essential services, including food distribution, shelter, sanitation and medical care. For the thousands still living at Busuma, the coming months could determine whether basic assistance remains available or conditions deteriorate further. Many fled the DRC hoping to escape danger. Other Topics To Read Burundi refugees DRC refugee crisis Busuma refugee camp DRC conflict DRC refugees

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