BUJUMBURA, February 21st (ABP) – The Ministry of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security issued a press release on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, on the flow of refugees from the DRC.
In the press release signed by Minister Martin Niteretse, he said that the Government of the Republic of Burundi has been following with great concern the development of the security situation in the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since the early 2025.
Furthermore, he said, in February, the persistent violence in this region led to a massive influx of Congolese populations and other nationals to Burundi.
He points out that since February 1, 2025, it is estimated that between 20,000 and 35,000 people have crossed the Rusizi River into Burundi, in addition to 5,000 people who entered from the Gatumba border post.
According to him, the majority are asylum seekers requiring international protection. Mr. Niteretse also emphasizes in the press release that, in accordance with Law No. 1/25 of November 5, 2021 regulating migration and taking into account the persistent instability in the East of the DRC and the massive and urgent nature of these population movements, the Government of the Republic of Burundi recognizes the refugee status of all Congolese asylum seekers who have arrived on Burundian territory since early 2025.
To that end, according to the press release, the said ministry will set up an ad hoc commission responsible for coordinating and supervising urgent security, accommodation, food and health measures, working closely with the National Authority for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (ONPRA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for rapid and efficient registration of refugees and facilitating the management and implementation of humanitarian assistance with national and international partners.
As part of the orderly management of this influx, Minister Niteretse indicated that various actions are planned. He stressed that the relocation of new refugees will be done gradually to the Musenyi site, in Rutana province, in order to guarantee their safety and provide an adequate environment for their reception.
New sites will be allocated to UNHCR and its partners to develop new reception centers for refugees who continue to arrive. He added that, under the coordination of the Ministry of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security, in collaboration with UNHCR, ONPRA will ensure the proper implementation of those measures, paying particular attention to the protection of the most vulnerable people.
The Government of the Republic of Burundi calls for the solidarity of the national and international communities to support the efforts made to care for these refugees. Humanitarian organizations, civil society, religious denominations and all stakeholders involved are encouraged to make their contribution in order to respond effectively to this humanitarian crisis, the press release states.
Thus, the Ministry asks Burundians to continue the warm welcome and to always demonstrate their legendary hospitality towards their Congolese brothers in search for refuge, while remaining vigilant and not listening to rumors and misinformation spread especially through social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, etc., which have no other goal than that of threatening public tranquility.ABP/Denis NTIHINDAGIZWA