CIBITOKE, February 27th (ABP) – On Monday 24 February 2025, a total of 500 Congolese refugee households welcomed since 14 February 2025 in the main town of Rugombo commune, in Cibitoke province, received food aid from the “Assemblée de Dieu au Burundi” church.
The aid consisted of 2.5 tonnes of beans, 2.5 tonnes of maize seed, 50 tarpaulins and around twenty tins of multi-purpose soap, according to local sources.
The distribution began with a prayer to comfort the Congolese refugees. He reassured them that the Almighty has not abandoned them, and that the war in eastern D.R. Congo will one day end, and they will be able to return home.
He also reminded them of the words of the Bible, which ask Christians to support one another, a sure sign of the importance of brotherhood.
The church’s legal representative, Bishop Jérôme Ndayisaba, promised them that the Assemblée de Dieu church in Burundi would do all it could to help them at this difficult time.
The refugees welcomed this much-needed food assistance, and pleaded for others who had not been so lucky to have something to eat.
The permanent secretary of Rugombo commune, Firmin Habumuremyi, who represented the administration at the handover, pointed out that up to 24 February 2024, there had already been 27,218 Congolese refugees in Rugombo commune.
He took the opportunity to thank the church for this important support, as well as similar support from organisations and benefactors who have already come to the aid of the Congolese, in particular the WFP, COPED and the Burundi Red Cross, which has donated tarpaulins and helped with their installation. The Burundi Red Cross has also supplied the refugees with drinking water, Mr. Habumuremyi also called for toilets to be provided.
He pointed out that the arrival of refugees at ECOFO Rugombo II and Lycée communal de Rugombo had brought school activities to a standstill.