Burundi — humanitarian situation

Burundi faces compounding humanitarian pressures driven by climate shocks, large-scale displacement from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and deteriorating food security. Between March and April 2026, natural disasters displaced 808 households (approximately 7,316 people) due to torrential rains, flooding, strong winds, and hail, with 620 households remaining displaced one month later across 51 hills IOM. The country continues hosting more than 130,000 refugees, predominantly from eastern DRC, while the Busuma refugee site accommodated over 66,000 refugees at its peak UNICEF, WFP. UNHCR has supported voluntary returns and reintegration of Burundian refugees from Tanzania through cash-based interventions during the first half of 2026. An intensifying El Niño event is expected to bring severe flooding risks from October through December, exacerbating an already precarious situation in a region where 48.5 million people require humanitarian assistance OCHA. Food insecurity remains acute despite seasonal improvements. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis indicates approximately 1.02 million people (8 percent of the analyzed population) are experiencing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse outcomes from June through September 2026 IPC. The Northern Lowlands are projected to deteriorate to Crisis between October and December due to below-average Season B harvests resulting from localized dry spells in March and April FEWS NET. Eastern and Northern Lowlands and Imbo Plains continue experiencing Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes, with household food stocks remaining constrained and food access limited by high prices and market constraints FEWS NET. The large refugee presence places additional pressure on host communities already vulnerable to chronic food insecurity. WFP has warned that food assistance for over 130,000 Congolese refugees risks reduction or interruption without urgent funding, leaving families dependent on this aid facing potential cuts. Current operations maintain refugees in Nyarugusu Camp at 50 percent rations while preserving full nutrition support for children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women (WFP Tanzania). The humanitarian response continues addressing overlapping needs including disease outbreak risks and protection concerns, while IFRC has activated flood preparedness measures with CHF 778,786 approved through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund for readiness, prepositioning, and early actions IFRC.