When pre-election violence erupted in Burundi in April 2015, thousands of families began fleeing to the safety and security of neighbouring countries. To date, close to 270,000 people have fled, the majority settling in Tanzania.
Rwanda has seen an influx of more than 78,000 people from Burundi (UNHCR, 3 June 2016). While approximately 26,000 have settled in Kigali as urban refugees, some 49,000 have been transported to the Mahama camp in Kirehe District in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Tanzania. The number of people crossing into Rwanda has decreased, however, an average of 45 people continue to make the journey daily. An additional 10,000 refugees are expected at the Mahama camp by the end of 2016.
The majority of people are living in tents (either family sized to accommodate ten people; or in tents made for 200 people), and construction has started on semi-permanent shelters with the goal of moving people out of the tents which have a limited shelf life.
The water situation at the camp is surpassing accepted standards. People are in need of increased food rations, health care, basic items such as mattresses and clothing, improved shelter, psychosocial support and livelihoods. With the rainy season, living conditions are expected to deteriorate considerably.
The water situation at the camp is surpassing accepted standards. People are in need of increased food rations, health care, basic items such as mattresses and clothing, improved shelter, psychosocial support and livelihoods. With the rainy season just getting started, living conditions are expected to deteriorate considerably.
In September 2015, the IFRC launched an Emergency Appeal of 549,020 Swiss francs to assist the Rwandan Red Cross in assisting 10,000 people living in the camp, as well as the host community. The Appeal is 78 per cent funded.
TIMECODE:
00:00 – 00:08 MS of rain and wind from under tarp
00:08 – 00:15 MS of rain pouring down and puddles in muddy ground
00:15 – 00:28 MS of Red Cross truck coming to a stop in the pouring rain
00:28 – 00:38 WS of camp’s muddy ground following heavy rain
00:38 – 00:50 WS of camp with sheets of rain coming down
00:50 – 01:08 WS of camp with ominous skies and strong winds
01:08 – 01:18 MS of dark cloud-filled skies with people walking through camp
01:18 – 01:28 MS of dark cloud-filled skies and strong winds with people walking through camp
01:28 – 01:38 MS of people walking past semi-permanent houses with dark clouds in the sky
01:38 – 01:47 WS of camp with people and dark skies
01:47 – 01:53 WS of people in camp with winds and dark skies
01:53 – 02:04 WS of dark cloud shelf over semi-permanent houses at camp
02:04 – 02:42 MS driving through rain-filled roads, past family gardens
02:42 – 02:58 MS driving up on kids playing in waters on flooded camp road
02:58 – 03:10 MS driving through rain soaked camp
03:10 - ENDS