UNHCR: ' We can't cope with mass Burundian refugee influx in Tanzania'
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned that heavy rains, flooding and a spike in new arrivals could threaten the lives of over 110,000 Burundian refugees living in overcrowded camps in Tanzania.
An upsurge of new arrivals in the camps in April saw the figures rise to almost 180,000 Burundian and Congolese refugees in Tanzania. The violence in Burundi sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term has claimed at least 240 lives and sent more than 200,000 Burundian fleeing to neighboring countries.
Nkurunziza won the election in July leading to further instability in the country. Burundi is now engulfed in violent clashes between opposition groups and security forces in the capital, Bujumbura, and a series of targeted killings.
The high number of Burundians fleeing the conflict forced UNHCR to open a second camp, Nduta, to reduce congestion at the first camp, Nyarugusu. More than 50,000 refugees are gradually being moved to Nduta. UNHCR has plans to open a third camp in Mtendeli.
