Construction of houses for the refugees from DRC at the Rutana-Musenya-site. Until this work is finished, many families live together in tents. Photo: LWF/ D. Rukundo
LWF mobilizes support amid escalating humanitarian needs and limited resources
(LWI) - As people continue to flee the violence in Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has started supporting refugees arriving in Burundi.
Since the escalation of conflict in eastern DRC, 63,000 Congolese refugees have been officially registered in Burundi, with unofficial estimates putting the new arrivals at up to 80,000 due to uncontrolled border crossings. In response to the growing humanitarian needs, the LWF has taken key steps to support people fleeing violence and affected communities.
“The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR has requested LWF’s support in the transit sites in Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and at the Rutana relocation site,” says Clovis Mwambutsa, LWF Regional Program Coordinator for francophone Africa. The request includes assistance to put up temporary sites and refugee relocation, and also distribution of food and other essential relief goods.
A map of Burundi’s provinces. LWF supports the reception of refugees in Bubanza and Citiboke provinces at the Congolese border, and in the Rutana relocation site (southwest). Image: LWF
Our dedicated staff face the heart-wrenching task of prioritizing those who are most at risk—choosing among the most vulnerable.
Denis TCHOUNKEU, LWF Regional Emergency Hub Coordinator for Africa
“We will start providing aid for 200 families this week,” says Denis Tchounkeu, LWF Regional Emergency Hub Coordinator for Africa. “The challenge lies in the overwhelming needs compared to the resources available. Our dedicated staff face the heart-wrenching task of prioritizing those who are most at risk—choosing among the most vulnerable. But every effort counts, and as we work to secure more support, we begin where the need is greatest,” he adds.
LWF’s support to this crisis is supported by the LWF German National Committee, representing the member churches in Germany and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Australian Lutheran World Service has also pledged their support.
