HIGHLIGHTS
Tension is on the rise in Bujumbura in view of the first round of presidential elections, as rumors of attacks to destabilize the process circulate. In light of this, the number of Burundians leaving the country has increased. The police and military are still present in some parts of the city centre and suburbs. Criminality is on the rise and grenade attacks are recorded almost daily.
On 19 June, UNHCR’s Regional Representative for the DRC undertook a two day mission to the South Kivu Province and Bujumbura. In the Burundian capital, the representative took stock of the prevailing political and security situation and consequently instructed UNHCR staff in Uvira (DRC) to reinforce the relocation procedure for Burundian refugees to the Lusenda site, in light of the deteriorating situation in the country of origin. Since then, measures have been taken to speed up the process for refugees in the Uvira and Fizi territories. The latest convoys were scheduled to depart from Kavimvira and Kamanyola on 22 and 24 June.
In Tanzania, Nyarugusu refugee camp is becoming dangerously overcrowded. Before the recent arrival of tens of thousands of Burundian refugees, the camp was already home to more than 60,000 Congolese refugees. Services and facilities are stretched as more than 120,000 persons live in close quarters. UNHCR and partners are working with the Government of Tanzania to urgently identify an alternative site to establish a new camp. Population