Since December, over 60,000 Congolese refugees have gathered at the Busuma site in Burundi due to the ongoing offensive by the M23 group in South Kivu. This site, originally designed to accommodate 20,000 people, was left completely unprepared for the influx of refugees, lacking basic necessities such as shelter, water, and infrastructure. Despite humanitarian efforts, the refugees have continued to experience dire living conditions, such as overcrowding, insufficient water supply, and delayed food aid, exacerbated by international budget cuts.

As the situation in Busuma worsens, refugees are increasingly concerned about their survival. One poignant example is Élisabeth, a pregnant 25-year-old who is desperately trying to secure water for herself and her unborn child. The arrival of a water truck brings hope, but it is quickly followed by chaos as people crowd around in search of a few drops. This scene underscores the urgent needs facing the refugee population, who find themselves at the mercy of fluctuating humanitarian support and inadequate facilities.

The implications of this situation are significant both for the refugees and for Burundi itself. The large number of new arrivals puts a strain on already limited resources, while the failure to adequately address the needs of these vulnerable individuals raises serious questions about international responsibility in humanitarian crises. As the support for refugees remains uncertain, the future well-being of these families hangs in the balance, leaving many in danger of further poverty and instability in the region.