UNHCR warns of severe overcrowding as DRC conflict pushes refugees into Burundi’s Busuma camp
By Mercy Ajekigbe
Refugees are pouring into Busuma Camp in Burundi, as the conflict in the Democratic Republic Of Congo intensifies, leading to severe overcrowding and inadequate living conditions at the camp. The United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHCR) recently released footage highlighting the humanitarian situation, while calling for urgent action to mitigate the rising crisis.
The current Eastern DRC conflict began in 2021 when the M23 rebel group resumed its insurgency after nearly a decade of dormancy. Since then, the fighting has escalated, reaching its most intense phase in 2025 and continuing into 2026. The major parties involved in the conflict include the M23 rebel group, which is allegedly backed by the Rwandan government, the Congolese government armed forces (FARDC), local militias and some armed forces
The conflict is reportedly fueled by competition over mineral resources and unresolved tensions stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Despite sanctions, negotiations, and other measures initiated by the United Nations to contain the crisis, the fighting has continued, claiming thousands of lives and displacing more than five million people within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while many others have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
Busuma—one of the major camps hosting refugees from DRC—however, is facing a serious crisis, as over 54,000 refugees are living there. According to the footage shared by the UNHCR, access to basic facilities like clean water are limited and only 43% have adequate shelter while the others sleep outdoors, exposing them to weather elements. The agency further warns that the refugees may face heightened risk of weather-related health problems as the rainy season approaches.
The footage served as an urgent call to action to mitigate the crisis before it escalates.
