The humanitarian situation for refugees in Burundi remains alarming

Since 5 December 2025, more than 90,000 refugees have fled to Burundi following an escalation of violence in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In Busuma camp in Ruyigi, Burundi, people seeking safety face a dire humanitarian situation, far below minimum standards, warns Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

“This is the largest influx of refugees in years,” says Carolina Lopez Led, MSF emergency coordinator. “In the newly established Busuma camp, set up on a hill, you can see thousands of tents lined up one next to the other. We are very far from minimum standards in terms of access to water, food, and healthcare.”

To meet health needs in Busuma camp, where around 65,000 people were settled, MSF opened a clinic on 3 January 2026. Most consultations have been related to respiratory infections, malaria, diarrhoea, and parasitic diseases. Our teams are also working hand in hand with the Ministry of Health to provide logistical support and capacity building for health workers at the 47-bed cholera treatment centre in the camp. 

In Makombe transit camp, at the border with DRC, MSF teams are organising the distribution of jerrycans, mosquito nets, soap, and basic hygiene items for over 1,500 people.

In Busuma camp, it is estimated that each person currently has access to 2.5 litres of water per day. Despite some improvements, it is still far from the five litres considered essential for survival, and even further from the 15 litres required to meet minimum humanitarian standards. On average, one latrine is available for every 98 people, which is half the minimum standard.

MSF teams deliver 51,000 litres of water per day by tanker truck and we are planning more sustainable solutions to distribute larger quantities. There is still a huge need to ensure vital hygiene services for people and limit the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera.

In these difficult living conditions, authorities have confirmed dozens of deaths. MSF is committed to improving access to essential healthcare for people in the camp to prevent further deaths.

“The massive influx of refugees took everyone by surprise,” says Lopez Led. “The authorities and humanitarian organisations are under pressure to respond to the needs as quickly as possible.”

Without rapid support and sufficient funds, humanitarian organisations will not be able to cope with the magnitude of the needs, and the situation risks deteriorating rapidly.