Escape from violence: over 71,000 people from the East Congo in Need!

Escape from violence: over 71,000 people from the East Congo in Need!

Burundi, Burundi - May 12, 2025 is characterized by a variety of events. The focus is on the humanitarian crisis in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been dramatically escalated in the past few weeks. Over 71,000 people are currently fleeing the continued violence, as reported by the Süddeutsche Zeitung . Even within a few weeks, over 63,000 people have fled to Burundi, where the refugee camps are already overcrowded and there is a lack of essential means for vital help.

The situation in Burundi is critical. Refugees who come from the Congo are increasingly being cared for by UNHCR and housed in refugee camps in the interior. The pressure on the country is increasing because it has been suffering from ethnic arguments between Hutu and Tutsi for many years. The peace process, initiated by Arusha's peace agreement in 2000, could not permanently remove the tensions. Political unrest in 2015 meant that many people had to flee to neighboring countries, especially to Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and the DR Congo.

refugee situation and returnee

Aktuells around 320,000 refugees from Burundi live in the adjacent countries, while in Burundi around 79,000 domestic people hope for better living conditions. Despite a more stable political situation, the socio-economic situation remains difficult. Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world, which is reflected in a poor economic situation and a lack of workplaces. The support from UNHCR is therefore indispensable.

Since 2017, more than 243,000 refugees, mainly from Tanzania, have voluntarily returned to their homeland with the support of the UNHCR. In 2023 alone, 25,700 people returned, 56% of which were children. UNHCR works closely with the Burundian government and peace -promoting partners to ensure a sustainable reintegration of the returnees.

insights into cultural life

While the refugee crisis dominates the headlines, cultural events also take place that shape the everyday life of people. In a stud in Wehrheim near Frankfurt, Icelandic horses are driven to the pasture at the start of the season. At the same time, participants of the Kanda Festival in Tokyo celebrate prosperity and happiness with a procession in which a shrine is worn. Also in the television broadcast, an international beauty competition for cats in Bucharest presented a sphinx cat that is considered a special highlight.

These snapshots make it clear that despite the challenges with which many people are confronted, cultural festivals and customs continue to have an important place in society and give people hope.