Cibitoke : NGOs mobilized to support Congolese refugees

SOS Médias Burundi

As violence intensifies in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, causing a new influx of refugees into Burundi, several humanitarian organizations have responded to the emergency by providing assistance to the transit sites of Cishemere and Cibitoke. This is a significant relief for those on the ground.

Cibitoke, April 13, 2025 – On April 6 and 7, hundreds of Congolese refugees recently settled in the Cishemere and Cibitoke transit camps (northwestern Burundi) received emergency humanitarian assistance. This aid included food, cooking utensils, and bedding. It was provided by a consortium of organizations, including Tearfund, Help Channel, the Anglican Church, and ADRA-Burundi.

Despite this mobilization, the needs remain immense. Elias Siboniyo, program coordinator at ADRA-Burundi, warns : “The needs of refugees are still far from being met.” He calls on other NGOs and partners to join the wave of solidarity to respond to a growing humanitarian crisis.

Refugees are fleeing violent clashes currently pitting the M23 movement against the Congolese army, supported by Burundian forces and local militias such as the Wazalendo, local militias maintained by Congolese authorities.

For his part, the coordinator of the National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (ONPRA) welcomed the support provided by these humanitarian organizations, which complement the efforts already implemented by the Burundian government. He also appealed to other benevolent actors to address the gravity of the situation.

The value of the assistance provided is estimated at 356 million Burundi francs. This is a significant gesture, providing welcome relief to thousands of displaced people in distress in these transit camps.

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Congolese refugees welcomed at a transit site in Burundi, April 2025 (SOS Médias Burundi)