Lusenda : two years without food aid—Burundian refugees sound the alarm to the UNHCR

SOS Médias Burundi

Bukavu, September 23, 2026—Maurice Azonnankpo, the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), visited the Lusenda refugee camp—home to Burundian refugees—on Tuesday. Located in the Fizi territory of South Kivu province in the eastern DRC, the camp is the site where refugees voiced a series of grievances to him. Key issues included the suspension of food aid for over two years, medicine shortages, difficulties accessing healthcare, security risks facing women, and challenges regarding children’s education.

Accompanied by representatives from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Maurice Azonnankpo spoke directly with the refugees about their living conditions.

Two years without food aid

The meeting took place in the camp’s dance hall. Désiré Ahishakiye, the representative for the Lusenda refugees, outlined the community’s main concerns to the humanitarian officials.

Food assistance was among the issues raised. Refugees’ representatives stated that the World Food Program (WFP) has not provided food aid for more than two years.

They consider this situation one of the primary challenges facing families living in the camp. They are calling for a review of the food assistance issue, as many households are struggling to meet their basic needs. The refugees also highlighted the shortage of medicines and difficulties in accessing healthcare. They are calling for increased medical assistance to meet the needs of the camp’s population.

Concerns regarding women’s safety

Women’s safety was also a key topic of discussion. According to refugees’ representatives, some women face risks when venturing into fields and surrounding areas to gather firewood.

They specifically pointed to the presence of armed men in certain areas—a situation fueling anxiety within the community.

Challenges in children’s education

Refugees’ representatives also drew attention to the situation of children. They believe that many are not receiving adequate care and are urging humanitarian actors to place greater emphasis on education.

The issue of ethnic discrimination was also raised during the meeting as one of the concerns presented to humanitarian officials.

The UNHCR pledges to review grievances

Speaking at the meeting, Maurice Azonnankpo explained that his visit to Lusenda—alongside representatives from OCHA and the UNDP—was aimed at listening directly to the refugees and gaining a better understanding of their living conditions.

The UNHCR representative stated that he and his colleagues would review various concerns raised during the meeting to identify issues that could be addressed.

He also urged the refugees to avoid involvement in political matters or armed groups, emphasizing the need to preserve the camp’s humanitarian character.

A concerning humanitarian situation

This visit takes place as Burundian refugees in Lusenda continue to face various challenges regarding access to humanitarian aid, security, healthcare, and education.

According to information shared during the meeting, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is hosting more than 42,000 Burundian refugees.

In Lusenda, refugees hope that the concerns raised directly with humanitarian officials will lead to concrete responses, particularly regarding food, healthcare, education, and protection.