Massive influx of Congolese refugees into Burundi : armed infiltrations, security tensions, and a major humanitarian crisis

Kaburantwa – Ruyigi, December 10, 2025 – Thousands of Congolese refugees have crossed the Burundian border since the night of December 7-8, fleeing violent clashes between the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo), Wazalendo militias, Burundian soldiers, and M23 rebels in several localities of South Kivu. The sudden arrival of this population, mixed with armed elements, has placed Burundi in the face of a major security and humanitarian emergency.

Chaotic exodus from South Kivu : civilians and armed elements caught in the crossing

Refugees from Luvungi, Katogota, Bwegera, Luberizi, Mutarule, and Sange crossed the border en masse at the Kaburantwa bridge under construction, on the 6th avenue in the Buganda zone of Bukinanyana district.

According to several local sources, the rout of armed groups and regular forces allowed armed fighters to blend into the crowd.

On December 8, joint operations conducted by Burundian soldiers, Congolese Wazalendo militias, and Rwandan rebels resulted in the seizure of weapons and uniforms, and the arrest of men suspected of being infiltrated fighters.

These operations took place in Kansega, in the border area of ​​Ndava, Bukinanyana district.

Some of the suspects were transferred to the military camp of the 112th Infantry Battalion in Bujumbura province, while others were sent to the Mudubugu military site, also located in the west of the country.

The Minister of the Interior, Léonidas Ndaruzaniye, confirmed the strengthening of security measures and the systematic triage of vulnerable civilians from potentially dangerous fighters.

Concerns in border towns

The communities of Kaburantwa, Gasenyi, Rusiga, Mparambo, and Gatoki report having witnessed armed men crossing the river at night. They are calling on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, fearing that dangerous elements may still be hiding among the refugees.

An alarming humanitarian situation

Faced with this massive influx, the humanitarian situation is critical.

Many refugees are sleeping on the ground, while others are crammed into schools, churches, or the homes of host families. They lack :

shelter,

drinking water,

medical care,

food,

sanitation facilities.

Heavy rains are exacerbating the situation.

Several local sources have already reported at least five children and two adults who have died due to lack of food.

The refugees are calling on the Burundian government and the UNHCR to intervene urgently.

Response from Burundian authorities

Minister Ndaruzaniye, accompanied by the Director General of Police, announced :

the relocation of refugees to more suitable reception sites,

the issuance of temporary documents,

strict supervision of the reception process to prevent infiltration,

disciplinary measures against anyone harboring unregistered refugees.

Eastern Burundi : opening of a new site in Busuma

In the district of Ruyigi, Buhumuza province (eastern Burundi), a new site for Congolese refugees is being established in Busuma village, in the Kayongozi zone.

This will be the third official reception site in the region and is expected to accommodate between 4,000 and 6,000 people.

The National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (ONPRA) announced the imminent arrival of vehicles transporting refugees from the DRC.

In a statement, the institution asked the local population to facilitate the reception of the migrants and to cooperate with the authorities.

The first groups were directed to the Cishemere site—not far from the border—but it still lacks shelter, food, and sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of disease.

A major security and humanitarian challenge for Burundi

As fighting continues in eastern DRC, Burundi is facing a complex migration crisis :
distinguishing between vulnerable civilians and armed groups, ensuring national security, and responding to a rapidly escalating humanitarian emergency.