The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent call for funding to address the critical needs of an increasing number of refugees fleeing the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to neighboring Burundi. This alarming situation arises amidst an offensive launched by the Rwanda-backed armed group M23 in January, which has violently seized control of extensive territories in eastern DRC, forcing approximately 70,000 individuals to seek refuge across the border.
As a result of this mass exodus, the total number of people in Burundi relying on food aid from the WFP has surged to 120,000. This dramatic rise in demand has put unprecedented pressure on the agency’s resources, prompting them to issue a stark warning regarding the dire state of funding for humanitarian assistance in the region.
Currently, the available funding allows the WFP to sustain assistance for these 120,000 refugees only through June. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the WFP has already been compelled to reduce food rations for refugees by 50% this month. To continue providing essential support and prevent a deterioration of living conditions, the organization estimates an urgent need of $19.8 million in additional funding to maintain operations and aid until the end of the year.
“Every day, new refugees arrive, some burdened by hastily assembled bags and suitcases, while others come with little more than the clothes on their backs,” remarked Dragica Pajevic, the WFP’s deputy regional director for eastern Africa. This poignant observation underscores the immense struggle and resilience of those displaced, highlighting the critical need for immediate and sustained humanitarian assistance to support their survival and dignity in these challenging circumstances.
