What is causing the cholera outbreak among Congolese refugees in Burundi?

The cholera outbreak is linked to the dire living conditions in refugee camps, exacerbated by a large influx of people fleeing the M23 militant advance.

How many refugees are affected by the crisis in Burundi?

Around 80,000 Congolese refugees have poured into Burundi, facing severe shortages of food, water, shelter, and medicine.

What is the M23 group and what is their impact?

The M23 is an armed group whose recent offensive in eastern DRC has caused widespread displacement and a refugee crisis in neighboring Burundi.

Home / War and Conflict / Cholera Outbreak: 80,000 Refugees Face Catastrophe in Burundi

Cholera Outbreak: 80,000 Refugees Face Catastrophe in Burundi

25 Dec

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Summary

Cholera has claimed at least eight Congolese refugee lives in Burundi.
80,000 refugees fleeing M23 advance face dire conditions lacking aid.
UN appeals for $33 million as cholera and malaria cases surge.

Cholera Outbreak: 80,000 Refugees Face Catastrophe in Burundi

A severe cholera outbreak has claimed at least eight Congolese refugee lives in Burundi, with thousands more facing dire circumstances. Approximately 80,000 individuals recently arrived in Burundi, seeking refuge from the M23 armed group's offensive, which began in early December. These refugees are now confronting chaotic conditions in camps severely lacking essential resources like food, shelter, water, and medicine.

The situation is described as catastrophic, with aid workers warning of potential deaths if swift action is not taken. The M23 group seized Uvira on December 10, controlling the border with Burundi. This has led to the displacement of 500,000 people within the DRC's South Kivu province alone.

The United Nations has urgently appealed for $33 million to provide aid, while Doctors Without Borders reports a high prevalence of malaria, with 42% of tests positive, alongside confirmed cholera and suspected measles cases. The international community is urged to respond before the refugee camps become sites of mass fatalities.