Congolese refugees in Burundi: Prime Minister informed of cases of epidemics

Kinshasa April 24^th, 2025 (CPA).- The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo was informed of cases of the epidemics ravaging Congolese refugee camps in Burundi, during an exchange on Tuesday in Kinshasa with a delegation of national medical deputies, CPA learned Wednesday from a press release.  “We have seen cases of acute malnutrition, epidemics of malaria, measles and cholera ravaging the camps. Women are giving birth without medical assistance, in inhuman conditions. We were very insistent on providing support for all our brothers and sisters who have fled the war”, declared Léon Kabamba, national deputy and doctor, returning from a humanitarian mission to the Congolese refugee camps in Burundi. Head of the parliamentary delegation, Dr Kabamba took the opportunity to explain to the Head of Government the realities of the camps for these displaced people, who have lost their families in particular.  “Their eyes speak of the horror of war; immediate psychological support is needed”, he said. In addition, the delegation of national MPs was reassured by Prime Minister Suminwa to have sent a team on site. “The Prime Minister’s reaction was very positive. She made a firm commitment to finding solutions to these problems. She reassured us that she has already dispatched a team to support our compatriots, and that she will follow up to ensure that things run smoothly. She insisted on the need for these priorities to be really resolved in the refugee camps in Burundi”, concluded Dr Léon Kabamba. The Head of Government was presented with an alarming memorandum on the living conditions of Congolese refugees fleeing the violence in eastern DRC. Since mid-February 2025, over 60,000 people, mainly women and children have found refuge in Burundi, in the province of “Cibitoke”. This massive influx requires urgent humanitarian aid to meet vital needs and stem major health risks. ACP/