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Burundi: solidarity with congolese refugees – a visit by the congolese delegation and a humanitarian gesture from the first lady of Burundi

SOS Médias Burundi

Musenyi, April 27, 2025 – Congolese refugees in Burundi recently received significant support from the authorities of the two neighboring countries. On the one hand, a Congolese delegation, led by the advisor to the minister of foreign affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), made a working visit to refugee camps and transit centers. On the other hand, the First Lady of Burundi, Angeline Ndayishimiye, provided valuable comfort to the refugees in Musenyi, in Rutana Province in southeastern Burundi.

The Congolese advisor for diaspora led a mission to Burundi to assess the situation of Congolese refugees, ahead of the Congolese minister of foreign affairs’ visit. The delegation visited several refugee camps, including Musenyi to collect data and assess services available to refugees, including healthcare, education, and food aid.

Along with representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (ONPRA), the delegation noted the concerns of the refugees. They expressed their urgent needs which include living conditions in the camps. « We have been living here in difficult conditions for years. It is time for the government to take action, » said Jean-Baptiste, a refugee living in an urban area.

A gesture of solidarity from the First Lady of Burundi

On April 23, the First Lady of Burundi, Angeline Ndayishimiye, visited the Musenyi site, one of the largest reception centers for Congolese refugees. Warmly welcomed by the refugees, Ms. Ndayishimiye voced her commitment to supporting those fleeing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During her visit, she presented a substantial humanitarian donation, including ten tons of rice, one ton of beans, corn flour, palm oil, loincloths, and soap.

« It is the values ​​of love for one’s neighbor and solidarity that prompted me to come here, » said Ms. Ndayishimiye, emphasizing the importance of this act of support for those who have lost everything due to armed conflict. Her visit was attended by a delegation from the Foundation of the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, led by Ms. Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, who welcomed this joint initiative. She also stated that her Congolese counterpart planned to visit the Musenyi center soon.

Heartbreaking testimonies from refugees

The refugees hosted in Musenyi expressed their gratitude for this support. Joséphine, a mother who fled Minova (South Kivu), said: « we live in shelters made of tarpaulins, sometimes without food for two days. But today, seeing the First Lady here makes us feel seen and heard. It’s a sign of hope. »

Congolese refugees in Musenyi waiting to receive aid from the First Lady of Burundi, Angeline Ndayishimiye, on April 23, 2025

Florence, a refugee and war widow, added: « since I arrived here with my children, this is the first time we’ve been shown such consideration. Her gesture touches our hearts. Now we hope things will change. »

The Musenyi site, which houses more than 15,000 refugees in 4,214 households, is one of the centers most affected by precarious living conditions. Refugees live in difficult conditions, with limited access to drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and cramped housing. These conditions are further exacerbated by the political and military crisis in eastern DRC, which has led to the arrival of more than 70,000 new refugees in Burundi in recent months.

Constant efforts to improve the situation

The situation of Congolese refugees in Burundi remains fragile, but the efforts of the Burundian and Congolese authorities, as well as humanitarian organizations, provide comfort. While the visit of the Congolese delegation and the actions of the First Lady are signs of solidarity, the refugees insist on the need to move from words to action to sustainably improve their daily lives.

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First Lady of Burundi Angeline Ndayishimiye distributes part of her aid to Congolese refugees in Musenyi, photo credit: Le Renouveau du Burundi