UNHCR Regional Update - Burundi Situation, October 2017
- Countries
- Tanzania
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- UNHCR
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- In October, some 2,300 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers were newly recorded in the region.
- In Tanzania, no Burundian asylum seekers were recorded in October 2017.
- In Rwanda, the number of Burundian refugee arrivals has more than doubled from previous months (1,150 arrivals registered). This includes 42 Burundian refugees who have passed through DRC and Tanzania.
- In DRC, works have resumed at the new Mulongwe site which aims at decongesting Lusenda camp following previous suspension of works due to the volatile security situation. South Kivu continues to be challenged by a precarious security situation.
Operational Context
- The Regional Mediation of the Inter-Burundian Dialogue has announced that the next session of the dialogue is to take part in Arusha from 27 November to 8 December, 2017. However, the Coalition of the opposition parties attached to the Arusha Peace Agreement (CNARED), with the exception of the Front for Democracy (FRODEBU), has already refused to join the session.
- Following the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi’s call on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate what they believe to be potentially crimes against humanity, Burundi has formally announced on 27 October its removal from the Rome Treaty. The ICC decided to open an investigation on the crimes against humanity perpetrated in Burundi between 26 April 2015 and 26 October 2017.
- DRC/Kamanyola, South Kivu update: On 15 September, 39 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers living in the locality of Kamanyola were shot and killed by Congolese soldiers (FARDC) during a demonstration, while a further 94 Burundians were wounded and referred to hospitals. Some 2,499 asylum seekers and refugees continue to be sheltered near a MONUSCO base in Kamanyola. All basic services are in place, mostly provided by UNHCR and partners, with ICRC leading the WASH sector. However, the need for a long-term solution remains urgent. The relocation of this group could not yet be undertaken, due to the fact that no appropriate location has been identified. UNHCR is preparing to assist the group in case they must remain in Kamanyola over the next few months.