Rutana, April 8, 2025 – At least eight Congolese children under the age of five years have succumbed to malnutrition in a period of two weeks at the Musenyi refugee site, in Giharo district, Rutana province, in southeastern Burundi. Refugees and local medical sources describe a humanitarian emergency linked to the lack of food and healthcare.

SOS Médias Burundi

Living conditions at this site, which hosts refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are rapidly deteriorating. Food, particularly products rich in protein and essential nutrients, is scarce, according to a refugee representative. Children are the most affected.

A medical source present at the site confirms that the majority of children suffer from serious deficiencies, making them vulnerable to diseases. « Coughing, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses are common among the youngest, » she said.

In addition to the lack of food, refugees denounce the absence of suitable shelter, medicine, and blankets. « We are sounding the alarm to humanitarian organizations. We are exhausted, » said one of them.

Another source on the ground confirmed the deaths but believed that some could be linked to other pathologies. However, she emphasized the seriousness of the nutritional situation prevailing on the site.

Refugees called on the authorities and humanitarian partners to intervene quickly to prevent further loss of life.

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Des femmes et enfants réfugiés congolais menacés par les maladies et la malnutrition ( SOS Médias Burundi)