Burundi Humanitarian Snapshot (September 2026)

Countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Republic of Tanzania Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached Infographic. Burundi is experiencing a convergence of crises, including climate-related hazards, disease outbreaks, displacement, and food insecurity, compounded by pre-existing vulnerabilities, such as chronic poverty and poor access to basic services. The humanitarian situation is projected to deteriorate further later this year and into 2027, as El Niño is expected to bring above-average rainfall during the October-December rainy season, potentially reaching up to 90 per cent above normal levels. This is likely to increase the risk of flooding and landslides. Food insecurity declines, but vulnerabilities persist. Between April and May 2026, 1. 77 million people were food insecure, including 220, 000 in IPC Phase 4. While the number of food-insecure people has decreased, an estimated 1. 02 million people are expected to face crisis levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or worse) between June and September 2026. The situation continues to be driven by high food prices, fuel shortages and limited access to seeds and fertilizers. Food security conditions are expected to deteriorate as climate-related hazards intensify, with El Niño-related impacts forecast to worsen conditions in late 2026 and into 2027. Internal displacement continues to rise. As of March 2026, more than 100, 000 people were internally displaced in Burundi, representing a 14 per cent increase compared with July 2025. Climate-related disasters remain the primary driver, accounting for 90 per cent of all internal displacement. Displaced populations continue to face significant humanitarian needs, particularly in shelter and essentials, food, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, and access to durable solutions. Return movements have accelerated. The closure of two refugee camps in Tanzania has led to an increase in returns to Burundi. Between January and August 2026, about 99, 000 Burundians returned, the majority from Tanzania. This represents a substantial increase compared with the period from 2022 to 2025, when annual return figures averaged between 20, 000 and 25, 000 people. Most returnees are settling in the eastern and southern regions of the country. Key needs include shelter, food assistance, access to land and livelihood opportunities, and access to basic services such as health care, education, water, and sanitation. Refugee arrivals continue to increase. About 156, 000 refugees and asylum seekers have been registered in Burundi by August 2026, driven by the worsening conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). At the same time, convoys are being organized to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Congolese nationals to areas deemed safe for return. Refugees and asylum seekers continue to require shelter and essential supplies, food, healthcare, education, and protection services. Recurring disease outbreaks strain public health systems. The risk of disease outbreaks remains high, with multiple health emergencies requiring sustained surveillance and response efforts. The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC presents a continued risk of cross-border transmission. Preparedness measures are underway in Burundi. As of 13 September 2026, more than 2, 000 cholera cases were reported, including 48 active cases and 4 deaths. While response efforts are ongoing, limited access to WASH services remains a key challenge. As of the same date, 227 confirmed mpox cases were reported in 2026. In addition, by epidemiological week 36, a total of 1, 737 suspected measles8 cases were recorded, including 87 confirmed cases. Funding shortfalls are jeopardizing critical humanitarian assistance. With the humanitarian situation expected to worsen as El Niño approaches, urgent action is needed to address existing gaps and scale up preparedness and anticipatory measures.

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