Key Points
The total number of Burundian refugees has increased to 239,754, whereas IDPs are now estimated to be 25,081 in view of new data from Makamba and Kirundo, and a new assessment in Rutana.
New patterns of human rights violations have emerged, including cases of sexual violence, increased enforced disappearances and torture
Since April 2015, OHCHR reports 439 killings, 262 arbitrary arrests, and 263 cases of torture/ill-treatment.
As of mid-January 2016, heavy rains and floods continue to affect various parts of the country, resulting in 5,068 houses damaged/destroyed, affecting 30,408 persons.
The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocated $13 million for life-saving activities, prioritizing Protection, Health and Food Security, followed by Nutrition, WASH and Shelter/NFI.
I. Situation Overview
The political and security situation in Burundi remains tense, with violence continuing in Bujumbura in the aftermath of President Nukunziza’s third contested term, resulting in at least 439 deaths and 264,835 displaced people since April 2015. In addition, continued heavy rains have caused localized floods and landslides, leaving at least 52 people killed and affecting 5,068 households, whose houses have been damaged or destroyed between November 2015 and January 2016.
On 19 January, the “Commission Nationale de Dialogue Interburundais” (CNDI) started its dialogue without the opposition and independent civil society, who are mostly in exile. Meanwhile the Ugandanmediated inclusive inter-Burundian dialogue is still stalling, after the Burundian Government objected to the 6 January resumption of talks in Arusha.
On 22 January, the UN Security Council met President Nkurunziza to convince him to engage in the peace talks and accept the AU-proposed peacekeeping force (MAPROBU), but no meaningful agreements were reached. The Security Council delegation then travelled to Addis Ababa and met with AU leaders, who agreed on the need for an urgent and inclusive inter-Burundian dialogue.