Burundi Faces Refugee Crisis Amid Congo Conflict

Burundi experiences a surge in refugees as over 120,000 people flee conflict in eastern Congo, with many being women and children. The UN World Food Programme warns of strained resources amid escalating humanitarian needs due to the M23 rebels' advance. Urgent action is required to address the crisis.

Burundi is grappling with its most significant refugee influx in decades, as tens of thousands escape the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday.

The number of registered refugees needing food aid has surged to over 120,000 since January, driven by clashes between Congolese government forces and Rwanda-backed rebels controlling two key cities, WFP reports. The majority of these refugees are women and children.

The long-standing conflict in eastern Congo intensified in January after M23 rebels captured Goma, a strategic location, followed by Bukavu in February, located just 30 miles from Burundi's border. With over 7 million displaced, the Congo crisis remains a profound humanitarian challenge.

Presidents of Congo and Rwanda held direct talks last week in Qatar, their first since these territorial seizures, aiming to alleviate tensions.

WFP expressed concern over insufficient funds for its Burundi operations, indicating that resources could run out by June, which may lead to a complete halt in food assistance as early as July.

(With inputs from agencies.)