UN says needs more funds to feed DRC refugees in Burundi
The UN agency said 70,000 people have fled to Burundi since January after the Rwanda-backed armed group M23 seized large swathes of territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
This photograph shows a Democratic Republic of Congo flag displayed at an official car, as Congolese refugees displaced by ongoing clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo get ready to disembark from a truck upon arrival at the Gihanga refugee transit camp in Gihanga on February 17, 2025. (Photo by Tchandrou Nitanga / AFP)
AFP .
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The World Food Programme said Monday it urgently needed $19.8 million to feed some 120,000 refugees who have fled the conflict in DR Congo to neighbouring Burundi.
The UN agency said 70,000 people have fled to Burundi since January after the Rwanda-backed armed group M23 seized large swathes of territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
That has brought the total number of people needing food aid from WFP in Burundi to 120,000, it said.
"Refugees are arriving every day, some weighed down with hastily packed bundles and suitcases, and others with nothing but the clothes on their backs," said Dragica Pajevic, WFP's deputy regional director for eastern Africa, in a statement.
"Although we are grateful for the funding received to date, it's simply not enough. Our available resources are stretched beyond capacity, and we're being forced to adapt our operations and reduce rations," Pajevic added.
WFP provides meals to refugees housed in temporary transit camps, schools, churches and sports stadiums.
It said it had been forced to cut rations in half to existing refugees to cater to the influx.
Without additional funding, the agency said it would have to suspend food assistance entirely by July.
It has requested $19.8 million to maintain support to the end of the year.