Burundian refugees from Lusenda camp in Fizi territory in South Kivu -DRC request that their camp that currently hosts more than 30,000 people be relocated for security reasons.
Burundian refugees from Lusenda camp: “We are in a danger zone”
They submitted their request to the High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, during his visit to the nearby Mulongwe camp hosting over 3,500 Burundians last weekend.
These Burundians say the Lusenda refugee camp was set up in a danger zone where rebel groups abound. “We live in insecurity and fear. During night, we feel anguish and experience uncertainty during day time. We are sick and tired of this situation. We need to be taken in a safe place,” says a refugee asking the high commissioner for refugees to find another safe place for them. “All we ask him is to look for another country of refuge because there is no security here.”
The High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, says the life-threatening situation which is prevailing in the area affects both the local communities and refugees. “The insecurity has had a terrible impact on everyone, either refugees or local communities. Most of them have been forced to move. It’s a serious issue,” he says.
Filippo Grandi calls on Burundian refugees, especially young people to keep hope for a bright future.
According to him, it is necessary to find the strength and resources to continue to live until the moment of the voluntary return to their native country comes. “My wish is that this moment arrives,” he says.
Since last year, Congolese citizens living in the area have also requested that they should be moved to a safer place
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