{
    "title": "MSF Burundi: Congolese Refugees in Busuma Face Mounting Threat as Humanitarian Funding Dries Up ",
    "modified_at": "2026-10-21 11:46:48",
    "published_at": "2026-10-21 11:47:00",
    "url": "https://prezly.msf.org.uk/msf-burundi-congolese-refugees-in-busuma-face-mounting-threat-as-humanitarian-funding-dries-up",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/Erne",
    "culture": "en",
    "language": "EN",
    "subtitle": "Bujumbura, 21 October 2026 \u2013 More than ten months after tens of thousands of Congolese refugees arrived at the Busuma camp in eastern Burundi, living conditions remain extremely precarious, and many refugees say they would rather return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) than remain in the camp. MSF is extremely concerned that conditions could deteriorate further, as several humanitarian organisations operating in the camp risk running out of funding in the coming weeks. ",
    "slug": "msf-burundi-congolese-refugees-in-busuma-face-mounting-threat-as-humanitarian-funding-dries-up",
    "body": "\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0bdaeb8b-2452-46ca-9055-48840295265e/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"View of Busuma camp, Burundi &amp;copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF\"\n                id=\"image-0bdaeb8b-2452-46ca-9055-48840295265e\"\n                data-id=\"0bdaeb8b-2452-46ca-9055-48840295265e\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0bdaeb8b-2452-46ca-9055-48840295265e/-/inline/no/\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0bdaeb8b-2452-46ca-9055-48840295265e/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"View of Busuma camp, Burundi \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF\"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\">View of Busuma camp, Burundi &copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF</figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">&ldquo;It feels as though we are goats tied to a stake and left there to graze,&rdquo; says<strong> Ibonge Alinoti, </strong>who arrived in Busuma in December 2025 after fleeing clashes near Uvira, in the DRC. &ldquo;I thought I would be able to go home in April, but we are still in this camp where everything is in short supply. We are suffering so much.&rdquo; </p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Since April, more than 20,000 refugees have returned to the DRC under a United Nations-run voluntary return programme to areas considered safe. However, around 35,000 people still live in Busuma, where the lack of available humanitarian funds is exacerbating an already critical situation. </p><p style=\"text-align: left\">&ldquo;Due to insufficient funding, food and cash distributions have been repeatedly scaled back, and shelter needs remain enormous. The shelters built at the beginning of the crisis have a lifespan of just six months and are deteriorating as the rainy season started,&rdquo; warns <strong>Ouo-ouo Sakouvogui</strong>, MSF&rsquo;s emergency response coordinator at the camp. &ldquo;If nothing changes, the situation could once again become extremely critical.&rdquo; </p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ddf21749-c341-4bb5-9a48-197a2e8fe8c1/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"A view of a shelter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. Although hygiene conditions have improved following emergency interventions earlier this year, living conditions in the camp remain extremely precarious and continue to take a heavy toll on refugees. &amp;copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n                id=\"image-ddf21749-c341-4bb5-9a48-197a2e8fe8c1\"\n                data-id=\"ddf21749-c341-4bb5-9a48-197a2e8fe8c1\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ddf21749-c341-4bb5-9a48-197a2e8fe8c1/-/inline/no/\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ddf21749-c341-4bb5-9a48-197a2e8fe8c1/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"A view of a shelter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. Although hygiene conditions have improved following emergency interventions earlier this year, living conditions in the camp remain extremely precarious and continue to take a heavy toll on refugees. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\">A view of a shelter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. Although hygiene conditions have improved following emergency interventions earlier this year, living conditions in the camp remain extremely precarious and continue to take a heavy toll on refugees. &copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF </figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">The future of the humanitarian response is also a major cause for concern. Several organisations operating in Busuma have funding commitments only until the end of 2026, while some have no funding secured beyond October 2026. </p><p style=\"text-align: left\">&ldquo;Despite efforts by the authorities and the United Nations to mobilise donors, widespread funding cuts are a reality. There is a real risk that several humanitarian organisations will be forced to withdraw as early as the beginning of 2027, despite massive needs,&rdquo; warns <strong>Ad&eacute;la&iuml;de Ouabo</strong>, MSF&rsquo;s programmes coordinator in Burundi. </p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/32242360-9b17-4d04-90c8-8b274de3ea74/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"An MSF flag marks a health post in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. The camp is facing a critical shortage of humanitarian support, and some organisations risk having to withdraw by the end of the year due to a lack of funding. &amp;copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n                id=\"image-32242360-9b17-4d04-90c8-8b274de3ea74\"\n                data-id=\"32242360-9b17-4d04-90c8-8b274de3ea74\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/32242360-9b17-4d04-90c8-8b274de3ea74/-/inline/no/\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/32242360-9b17-4d04-90c8-8b274de3ea74/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"An MSF flag marks a health post in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. The camp is facing a critical shortage of humanitarian support, and some organisations risk having to withdraw by the end of the year due to a lack of funding. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\">An MSF flag marks a health post in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. The camp is facing a critical shortage of humanitarian support, and some organisations risk having to withdraw by the end of the year due to a lack of funding. &copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF </figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<h4 id=\"living-conditions-put-refugees-health-at-risk\" style=\"text-align: left\">Living conditions put refugees&rsquo; health at risk </h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">Although emergency interventions in early 2026 helped improve sanitary conditions and bring cholera and measles outbreaks under control, refugees&rsquo; living conditions remain extremely precarious. In September, there was just one latrine for every 119 people and one shower for every 242 people in the camp. </p><p style=\"text-align: left\">&ldquo;Cases of waterborne diseases declined during the dry season, but the rainy season, against a backdrop of El Ni&ntilde;o-related forecasts, could change that,&rdquo; says <strong>Ouo-ouo Sakouvogui. </strong></p><p style=\"text-align: left\">Medical needs also remain extremely high. Between July and September, MSF teams conducted more than 12,000 outpatient consultations in the camp and the surrounding host community, particularly for respiratory and intestinal infections. More than 300 people also received more specialised medical care. </p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7c3635ef-2daa-421c-9673-93301b91197e/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"In the waiting room of a health post in Busuma refugee camp, an MSF staff raises awareness among patients about various health issues and available services, including psychological support. &amp;copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n                id=\"image-7c3635ef-2daa-421c-9673-93301b91197e\"\n                data-id=\"7c3635ef-2daa-421c-9673-93301b91197e\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7c3635ef-2daa-421c-9673-93301b91197e/-/inline/no/\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7c3635ef-2daa-421c-9673-93301b91197e/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"In the waiting room of a health post in Busuma refugee camp, an MSF staff raises awareness among patients about various health issues and available services, including psychological support. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\">In the waiting room of a health post in Busuma refugee camp, an MSF staff raises awareness among patients about various health issues and available services, including psychological support. &copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF </figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Psychological distress is particularly concerning. MSF teams are seeing a high demand for mental health support, driven by the violence people experienced in the DRC, their flight from home, their losses and the deteriorating living conditions in Busuma. </p><p style=\"text-align: left\">&ldquo;Many people are deeply desperate. Aid is dwindling, while some people do not even have a tarpaulin or a blanket to protect themselves. We are seeing depression, anxiety, psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder,&rdquo; explains <strong>Vanessa Niyonizigiye</strong>, an MSF clinical psychologist working in the camp. &ldquo;The needs are truly enormous.&rdquo; </p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/002c2804-75a9-48f4-8c6c-a6006172ee9f/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"Vanessa Niyonizigiye, MSF psychologist, during an individual consultation with a patient living in the Congolese refugee camp in Busuma, Burundi. &amp;copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n                id=\"image-002c2804-75a9-48f4-8c6c-a6006172ee9f\"\n                data-id=\"002c2804-75a9-48f4-8c6c-a6006172ee9f\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/002c2804-75a9-48f4-8c6c-a6006172ee9f/-/inline/no/\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/002c2804-75a9-48f4-8c6c-a6006172ee9f/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"Vanessa Niyonizigiye, MSF psychologist, during an individual consultation with a patient living in the Congolese refugee camp in Busuma, Burundi. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\">Vanessa Niyonizigiye, MSF psychologist, during an individual consultation with a patient living in the Congolese refugee camp in Busuma, Burundi. &copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF </figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>Freddie Machozi, </strong>18, fled intense fighting in DRC&#039;s South Kivu province in late 2025. She now lives with her daughter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. \u200b </p><p style=\"text-align: left\">&ldquo;To keep myself from falling into dark thoughts, singing gospel music is my best therapy. Life here is not easy. Sometimes, I have to ask other families who still have food if they can spare some for my daughter and me.&rdquo;</p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/121c9553-dd04-4ffb-a695-51447b813a70/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"Freddie Machozi, 18, fled intense fighting in DRC&amp;#039;s South Kivu province in late 2025. She now lives with her daughter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. \u200b \u200b &amp;copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n                id=\"image-121c9553-dd04-4ffb-a695-51447b813a70\"\n                data-id=\"121c9553-dd04-4ffb-a695-51447b813a70\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/121c9553-dd04-4ffb-a695-51447b813a70/-/inline/no/\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/121c9553-dd04-4ffb-a695-51447b813a70/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"Freddie Machozi, 18, fled intense fighting in DRC's South Kivu province in late 2025. She now lives with her daughter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi.   \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\">Freddie Machozi, 18, fled intense fighting in DRC&#039;s South Kivu province in late 2025. She now lives with her daughter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. \u200b \u200b &copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF </figcaption>\n    </figure>\n\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab778c27-5b5a-4664-8c3b-e0c1a5f0196a/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"Freddie Machozi, 18, fled intense fighting in DRC&amp;#039;s South Kivu province in late 2025. She now lives with her daughter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. &amp;copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n                id=\"image-ab778c27-5b5a-4664-8c3b-e0c1a5f0196a\"\n                data-id=\"ab778c27-5b5a-4664-8c3b-e0c1a5f0196a\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab778c27-5b5a-4664-8c3b-e0c1a5f0196a/-/inline/no/\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab778c27-5b5a-4664-8c3b-e0c1a5f0196a/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"Freddie Machozi, 18, fled intense fighting in DRC's South Kivu province in late 2025. She now lives with her daughter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\">Freddie Machozi, 18, fled intense fighting in DRC&#039;s South Kivu province in late 2025. She now lives with her daughter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. &copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF </figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>Asiya Bipemacho</strong> arrived in Busuma after fleeing the DRC in mid-December 2025. She now shares a shelter with 14 other refugees. </p><p style=\"text-align: left\">&ldquo;We fled, leaving everything behind, only to arrive here and face cholera, infections and people dying around us. Now we are struggling to sleep and feed our children. All these problems are weighing heavily on me. Honestly, I am overwhelmed. I want to go home.&rdquo; </p><p style=\"text-align: left\">&ldquo;At night, worry often keeps me awake. I constantly think about how I will find enough food to feed my family. I want to return home to Uvira [in the Democratic Republic of the Congo], but until I am selected for repatriation, I have to remain here, where life is very difficult. I hope I can return home as soon as possible.&rdquo;</p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e54eefe7-5649-47c6-84e1-ff54b1db5c29/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"Asiya Bipemacho, 30, does the laundry in the tent she shares with her family in the Busuma refugee camp. &amp;copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n                id=\"image-e54eefe7-5649-47c6-84e1-ff54b1db5c29\"\n                data-id=\"e54eefe7-5649-47c6-84e1-ff54b1db5c29\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e54eefe7-5649-47c6-84e1-ff54b1db5c29/-/inline/no/\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e54eefe7-5649-47c6-84e1-ff54b1db5c29/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"Asiya Bipemacho, 30, does the laundry in the tent she shares with her family in the Busuma refugee camp. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\">Asiya Bipemacho, 30, does the laundry in the tent she shares with her family in the Busuma refugee camp. &copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF </figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<h4 id=\"returning-to-the-drc-despite-the-risks\" style=\"text-align: left\">Returning to the DRC despite the risks </h4><p style=\"text-align: left\">Like Asiya, many refugees say they want to return to the DRC, despite the volatile security situation. For some, conditions in Busuma have become so difficult that returning home seems preferable to remaining indefinitely in the camp. </p><p style=\"text-align: left\">&ldquo;We simply do not want to stay here. There is too much suffering and not enough aid. We do not want money; we just want to leave,&rdquo; says I<strong>bonge Alinoti</strong>. &ldquo;I have already fled violence three or four times in the Congo. If it happens again, we will flee again.&rdquo; </p><p style=\"text-align: left\">&ldquo;The people of Busuma cannot go on living in such conditions,&rdquo; stresses <strong>Ad&eacute;la&iuml;de Ouabo</strong>. &ldquo;It is unacceptable that refugees should feel they would rather risk their lives than remain in a camp that is supposed to protect and support them. This situation is a wake-up call that demands urgent action.&rdquo; </p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/45f168f7-b6b8-45e5-9004-901f668f8a38/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"A refugee carries a bundle of firewood on his back in Busuma refugee camp, Burundi. Firewood has become increasingly scarce in Busuma. To find it, refugees are forced to leave the camp and venture into the surrounding areas. &amp;copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n                id=\"image-45f168f7-b6b8-45e5-9004-901f668f8a38\"\n                data-id=\"45f168f7-b6b8-45e5-9004-901f668f8a38\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/45f168f7-b6b8-45e5-9004-901f668f8a38/-/inline/no/\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/45f168f7-b6b8-45e5-9004-901f668f8a38/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"A refugee carries a bundle of firewood on his back in Busuma refugee camp, Burundi. Firewood has become increasingly scarce in Busuma. To find it, refugees are forced to leave the camp and venture into the surrounding areas. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF \"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\">A refugee carries a bundle of firewood on his back in Busuma refugee camp, Burundi. Firewood has become increasingly scarce in Busuma. To find it, refugees are forced to leave the camp and venture into the surrounding areas. &copy; Eugene Osidiana/MSF </figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<div class=\"release-content-contact\" id=\"contact-6cf5999c-5920-46bf-9d12-4ad39d8ed3aa\">\n    \n    <div class=\"release-content-contact__details\">\n        <strong class=\"release-content-contact__name\">Kate Lee</strong>\n        \n        <ul class=\"release-content-contact__details-list\"><li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"mailto:katriona.lee@london.msf.org\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"katriona.lee@london.msf.org\"><svg class=\"icon icon-paper-plane release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-paper-plane\"></use>\n            </svg>katriona.lee@london.msf.org</a></li></ul>\n    </div>\n</div>",
    "images": [
        {
            "caption": "View of Busuma camp, Burundi \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0bdaeb8b-2452-46ca-9055-48840295265e/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0bdaeb8b-2452-46ca-9055-48840295265e/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0bdaeb8b-2452-46ca-9055-48840295265e/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0bdaeb8b-2452-46ca-9055-48840295265e/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0bdaeb8b-2452-46ca-9055-48840295265e/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0bdaeb8b-2452-46ca-9055-48840295265e/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        },
        {
            "caption": "A view of a shelter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. Although hygiene conditions have improved following emergency interventions earlier this year, living conditions in the camp remain extremely precarious and continue to take a heavy toll on refugees. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF ",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ddf21749-c341-4bb5-9a48-197a2e8fe8c1/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ddf21749-c341-4bb5-9a48-197a2e8fe8c1/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ddf21749-c341-4bb5-9a48-197a2e8fe8c1/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ddf21749-c341-4bb5-9a48-197a2e8fe8c1/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ddf21749-c341-4bb5-9a48-197a2e8fe8c1/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ddf21749-c341-4bb5-9a48-197a2e8fe8c1/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        },
        {
            "caption": "An MSF flag marks a health post in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. The camp is facing a critical shortage of humanitarian support, and some organisations risk having to withdraw by the end of the year due to a lack of funding. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF ",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/32242360-9b17-4d04-90c8-8b274de3ea74/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/32242360-9b17-4d04-90c8-8b274de3ea74/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/32242360-9b17-4d04-90c8-8b274de3ea74/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/32242360-9b17-4d04-90c8-8b274de3ea74/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/32242360-9b17-4d04-90c8-8b274de3ea74/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/32242360-9b17-4d04-90c8-8b274de3ea74/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        },
        {
            "caption": "In the waiting room of a health post in Busuma refugee camp, an MSF staff raises awareness among patients about various health issues and available services, including psychological support. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF ",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7c3635ef-2daa-421c-9673-93301b91197e/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7c3635ef-2daa-421c-9673-93301b91197e/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7c3635ef-2daa-421c-9673-93301b91197e/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7c3635ef-2daa-421c-9673-93301b91197e/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7c3635ef-2daa-421c-9673-93301b91197e/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7c3635ef-2daa-421c-9673-93301b91197e/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        },
        {
            "caption": "Vanessa Niyonizigiye, MSF psychologist, during an individual consultation with a patient living in the Congolese refugee camp in Busuma, Burundi. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF ",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/002c2804-75a9-48f4-8c6c-a6006172ee9f/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/002c2804-75a9-48f4-8c6c-a6006172ee9f/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/002c2804-75a9-48f4-8c6c-a6006172ee9f/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/002c2804-75a9-48f4-8c6c-a6006172ee9f/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/002c2804-75a9-48f4-8c6c-a6006172ee9f/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/002c2804-75a9-48f4-8c6c-a6006172ee9f/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        },
        {
            "caption": "Freddie Machozi, 18, fled intense fighting in DRC's South Kivu province in late 2025. She now lives with her daughter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi.   \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF ",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/121c9553-dd04-4ffb-a695-51447b813a70/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/121c9553-dd04-4ffb-a695-51447b813a70/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/121c9553-dd04-4ffb-a695-51447b813a70/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/121c9553-dd04-4ffb-a695-51447b813a70/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/121c9553-dd04-4ffb-a695-51447b813a70/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/121c9553-dd04-4ffb-a695-51447b813a70/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        },
        {
            "caption": "Freddie Machozi, 18, fled intense fighting in DRC's South Kivu province in late 2025. She now lives with her daughter in the Busuma refugee camp in Burundi. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF ",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab778c27-5b5a-4664-8c3b-e0c1a5f0196a/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab778c27-5b5a-4664-8c3b-e0c1a5f0196a/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab778c27-5b5a-4664-8c3b-e0c1a5f0196a/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab778c27-5b5a-4664-8c3b-e0c1a5f0196a/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab778c27-5b5a-4664-8c3b-e0c1a5f0196a/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab778c27-5b5a-4664-8c3b-e0c1a5f0196a/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        },
        {
            "caption": "Asiya Bipemacho, 30, does the laundry in the tent she shares with her family in the Busuma refugee camp. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF ",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e54eefe7-5649-47c6-84e1-ff54b1db5c29/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e54eefe7-5649-47c6-84e1-ff54b1db5c29/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e54eefe7-5649-47c6-84e1-ff54b1db5c29/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e54eefe7-5649-47c6-84e1-ff54b1db5c29/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e54eefe7-5649-47c6-84e1-ff54b1db5c29/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e54eefe7-5649-47c6-84e1-ff54b1db5c29/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        },
        {
            "caption": "A refugee carries a bundle of firewood on his back in Busuma refugee camp, Burundi. Firewood has become increasingly scarce in Busuma. To find it, refugees are forced to leave the camp and venture into the surrounding areas. \u00a9 Eugene Osidiana/MSF ",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/45f168f7-b6b8-45e5-9004-901f668f8a38/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/45f168f7-b6b8-45e5-9004-901f668f8a38/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/45f168f7-b6b8-45e5-9004-901f668f8a38/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/45f168f7-b6b8-45e5-9004-901f668f8a38/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/45f168f7-b6b8-45e5-9004-901f668f8a38/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/45f168f7-b6b8-45e5-9004-901f668f8a38/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        }
    ],
    "contacts": [
        {
            "name": "Kate Lee",
            "company": null,
            "description": null,
            "email": "katriona.lee@london.msf.org",
            "website": null,
            "address": null,
            "telephone": null,
            "mobile": null,
            "twitter": null,
            "facebook": null,
            "linkedin": null,
            "instagram": null
        }
    ],
    "author": {
        "first_name": "Kate",
        "last_name": "Lee"
    },
    "format_version": 6
}