The European Commission is releasing EUR 1.5 million to meet the immediate needs for assistance and protection of Burundi refugees in neighbouring countries. The funding is part of the EUR 47 million of total humanitarian aid foreseen for the Great Lakes region for 2015, and follows the increase in number of refugees from the country in the last weeks.
"Such sudden and massive displacement is a humanitarian tragedy and a serious challenge to neighbouring countries' capacities to accommodate refugees. It is a serious concern in an already fragile region" said EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides.
Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania are experiencing flows of refugees from Burundi, who cite intimidation, threats, or fear of violence as reasons for fleeing. Over 30,000 people, the majority of whom women and children, are estimated to have fled already, with more feared to follow suit. More than 24,700 new refugees were reported by 3 May in Rwanda alone.
The surge follows last week's clashes in Burundi's capital Bujumbura between police and opposition to President Nkurunziza, after he announced his candidacy for a third term as president at the upcoming elections in June.
The European Commission is closely monitoring the situation and has expressed its concern at the increasing number of refugees.
This is a timely move, but it also calls on African countries to reflect on why elections which are planned events are causing displacements and pain that inconvinience citizens.
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