Busuma : deadly storm, three Congolese refugees struck by lightning

SOS Médias Burundi

Ruyigi, March 16, 2026 – On Saturday, March 14, 2026, heavy rains accompanied by severe weather struck the Busuma refugee camp, located in the district of Ruyigi, Buhumuza province, in the eastern part of the small east African nation. The storms triggered a landslide and a human tragedy : three Congolese refugees lost their lives after lightning struck part of the camp, plunging the community into shock and grief.

According to eyewitness accounts, the rains began in the afternoon, increasing in intensity before turning into strong winds in the evening. The shelters, often built from makeshift materials, were battered by the storm, and the ground, weakened by repeated rains, showed worrying signs of landslides in some areas.

At the height of the storm, lightning struck an inhabited area of ​​the site. Three Congolese refugees were hit and died instantly. Panic quickly spread through the camp.

“We heard a deafening noise, then saw a blinding light. A few seconds later, screams erupted. Three of our brothers were already on the ground, lifeless. We were all in shock. We had fled from the bullets and now we are dying here from the storm. President Tshisekedi must act quickly to allow us to return home,” said Mushagaruza, a Congolese refugee who has been living in Busuma for nearly four months.

Congolese and Burundian authorities have not yet allowed refugees residing in Burundi to return home, citing insecurity. However, desperate refugees, facing dire living conditions, frequently organize demonstrations demanding that the Burundian and Congolese governments, as well as the UNHCR, allow them to return to their country.

Following the incident, site officials and humanitarian workers visited the area to assess the situation and provide support to bereaved families. In addition to the loss of life, several shelters were damaged by rain and landslides.

Refugees are calling on the Burundian government, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and its partners to strengthen protection measures and improve the camp’s infrastructure to prevent further tragedies.

The Busuma site, opened in December 2025, currently hosts more than 75,000 Congolese refugees who have fled violence in their country. For these families living in precarious conditions, severe weather represents a constant risk, particularly during the rainy season.