WFP Seeks More Than $30 Million to Sustain Refugee Food Aid in Burundi

The World Food Programme is seeking more than $30 million to maintain food assistance for Congolese refugees in Burundi, warning that supplies could run out as early as October 2026 without additional funding.

The agency said it may also struggle to maintain food and nutrition assistance through August 2027. Donors, with support from the Burundian government, have provided part of the funding initially requested, helping to prevent an abrupt interruption. However, the additional support is expected to sustain assistance for only a few more months.

Monthly funding needs

Jean de Lestrange, a WFP partnerships and communications officer, said the latest support had not resolved the longer-term funding need. The WFP estimates that it requires around $5 million each month to assist Congolese refugees across Burundi, including about $1 million for Busuma camp.

Refugees currently receive approximately 38,000 Burundian francs, equivalent to $12, per person each month. Nayonde Mbirizi, a 40-year-old Congolese refugee, said the assistance was insufficient. He also described additional difficulties caused by strong winds and deteriorating tents.

Conditions at Busuma

Busuma camp, in eastern Burundi, was established in December 2025 and now hosts around 33,000 Congolese refugees. A delegation from the European Union, Switzerland and ECHO visited the camp to assess conditions.

The funding appeal comes as some refugees have begun returning to the Democratic Republic of Congo. UNHCR says 22,463 refugees have already returned.

Despite those returns, the WFP continues to face a substantial funding requirement to keep monthly food and nutrition assistance available for refugees remaining in Burundi. The agency has not specified the exact amount already contributed by donors and the Burundian government.