Media CenterCRS Helping Refugees Fleeing Burundi

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is helping refugees from Burundi who have fled to neighboring Rwanda seeking safety. CRS is working with Caritas Rwanda to provide nutritional supplementation for thousands in transit camps, many suffering from acute malnutrition.

“The situation in Burundi remains uncertain, and people leaving the country are facing a difficult future,” says Scott Campbell, CRS’ Central Africa Regional Director. “We are helping now and doing everything we can to make sure we are ready to respond as the need grows.”

More than 105,000 people have fled Burundi since April, including 23,300 who are now in Rwanda. Refugees are also crossing into Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We are monitoring the situation in Burundi and across the region, and responding as quickly as possible to changing circumstances,” says Campbell.

Violence in Burundi has escalated the past several weeks since the president, Pierre Nkurunziza, announced his decision to run for a third term. Protestors have denounced it as a violation of the constitution.

To arrange for an interview with CRS experts and staff on the ground, contact Michael Stulman, Regional Information Officer for West and Central Africa, who is currently traveling in Rwanda. His Rwanda mobile number is +250 728381812.