BUJUMBURA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Burundian authorities have urged the international community to release the pledged 33 million U.S. dollars in support for refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who have fled to Burundi since December 2025.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation Edouard Bizimana said that basic needs of DRC refugees "remain immense," while thanking partners for responding to the collective solidarity appeal launched to assist those refugees.
"Out of 33 million US dollars needed to support DRC refugees, an amount ranging between six and seven million dollars has been availed. There is still a long way to go, however, as refugees still need a lot of basic things like water, food and health care," said Bizimana.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative to Burundi Brigitte Mukanga-Eno pointed out several major challenges at the Busuma site which shelters more than 67,000 refugees.
"There is not enough drinking water at the Busuma site, where people receive barely two to three liters of water per day. And that is far less than what is expected in a humanitarian situation," noted Mukanga-Eno.
She indicated that the UNHCR is working with the Ministry in charge of water to analyze how to drill a well or install a water collection system from existing sources to supply the site.
On Dec. 17, 2025, the Burundian government, in collaboration with development partners, launched a four-month emergency response plan, worth 33 million dollars, to support over 70,000 DRC refugees.
"Of 33 million dollars to be mobilized, little has been raised so far; just between six and seven million dollars. It remains far from sufficient," Mukanga-Eno said.
In early December, Burundi has closed its border with DRC, after the March 23 Movement rebels advanced into Uvira, a strategic city in eastern DRC located near Bujumbura.
Bizimana emphasized that they will be reopened "only when all security conditions will be met." ■