DRC-Burundi: NSCC Calls for Immediate Response for Gatumba Refugees

Fleeing M23/AFC combat in Uvira, thousands of Congolese take refuge at the Gatumba/Brigade site in Burundi. The NSCC South Kivu denounces inhumane living conditions: absence of adequate shelter, latrines and access to care. In an unsanitary and overcrowded environment, cholera and malaria are spreading rapidly, threatening thousands of lives.

The situation of Congolese refugees gathered at the Gatumba/Brigade site in Burundi is deeply alarming. The Provincial Coordination Bureau of the New Congolese Civil Society (NSCC) in South Kivu has issued a vigorous alert concerning the precarious and inhumane living conditions endured by these people displaced by war, originating mainly from Uvira territory and surrounding areas.

These populations were forced to flee the intense fighting that led to the seizure of Uvira by M23/AFC rebels. In this regard, the NSCC South Kivu expresses its gratitude to the Burundian Government for its gesture of solidarity, by opening its borders and ensuring emergency reception, thus illustrating regional cooperation based on brotherhood between neighboring nations.

However, despite this initial hospitality, realities on the ground remain highly concerning. The NSCC South Kivu denounces inhumane living conditions at the Gatumba/Brigade site, which seriously undermine the health and dignity of the displaced. The main problems observed include a severe deficit in latrines and appropriate sanitation facilities; a lack of adequate shelter, leaving people exposed to the elements; restricted access to health services; the absence of organized, coordinated and sustainable humanitarian aid.

These shortcomings are already having serious health repercussions. The NSCC South Kivu reports an alarming increase in cases of cholera and malaria, threatening the lives of thousands of women, men and children, in an environment marked by overcrowding and failing hygiene.

The Congolese Government's Inadmissible Silence

The civic organization firmly condemns the absence of reaction from the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the face of this crisis affecting its own nationals. For the NSCC, this passivity of Congolese authorities is in flagrant contradiction with the urgency of the situation and the scale of suffering observed.

"Human life is sacred and deserves to be protected in all circumstances," insists Mafikiri Mashimango Martin, coordinator of the structure, reminding that the protection of the displaced constitutes an obligation both nationally and internationally.

In this context of urgency, the NSCC South Kivu addresses several priority recommendations to the Congolese Government and international humanitarian actors:

1. The immediate opening of the Gatumba–Kavimvira border, to facilitate the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons wishing to return to Uvira or other areas;
2. The intensification of repatriation and transfer of the displaced to suitable refugee camps, offering living conditions that respect humanitarian standards;
3. The immediate deployment of concerted humanitarian assistance, prioritizing essential areas such as health, water, sanitation, nutrition and shelter.

The crisis of Congolese refugees at Gatumba/Brigade cannot be neglected any longer. It requires an immediate, coordinated and responsible mobilization to safeguard the life, health and dignity of thousands of vulnerable individuals. The NSCC South Kivu reiterates its commitment to work alongside authorities and humanitarian partners with a view to a lasting resolution of this crisis.

Prosper Aobe