With devastating civil conflict raging in eastern DR Congo, neighbouring Burundi has received a huge influx of over 66,000 Congolese refugees - mostly women and children – who are currently gathered in Busuma Camp, in the Diocese of Gitega.
Our CMS Ireland Partners in Gitega are already actively engaged with this crisis, providing both pastoral and humanitarian support. This Appeal will strengthen that response by delivering urgently needed nutritious food to address child malnutrition, together with blankets to improve shelter and protect vulnerable families.
Gitega Diocese Development Coordinator Rev Arsène Mafurebe contacted CMSI recently, saying how distressed he was at the situation, “As I text, we are in Busuma Refugee camp...a Congolese camp. People live in unimaginable circumstances.” Many members of Armagh Diocese met Rev Arsène when he visited Ireland in 2024, and when he speaks you know he is not exaggerating!
Tens of thousands of camp residents lack adequate shelter, with many sleeping on the ground or in crowded tents which stretch as far as the eye can see. Food, clean water, and sanitation facilities are critically insufficient, with only 2.5 litres of water available per person per day, well below humanitarian standards. According to the ICRC these thousands of refugees face the harsh daily of “torrential rains, scarce food, limited access to safe drinking water and healthcare, as well as deep uncertainty about the fate of their relatives.”
Following an initiative from Archbishop John McDowell forging a partnership between the Diocese of Armagh and the Diocese of Gitega, he has added his support to this appeal, commenting,
“Despite their own poverty and lack of resources the Diocese of Gitega has been providing sanctuary for many thousands of refugees and doing all it can to alleviate hunger and distress. I would add my voice to those behind the Gitega Emergency Appeal and hope that people will respond generously. In the words of our Lord ‘…for what you have done unto the least of these my brothers and sisters you have done unto me.’”
£42 will provide 2 weeks’ worth of maize flour, fortified porridge and beans plus 1 blanket for a family of 5. Our target is to reach 400 families at a cost of £16,800.
If you would like to give to the CMSI DRC Appeal (Busuma Camp, Burundi) you can do so at the following link: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/15485 or by sending a cheque made payable to 'CMS Ireland' and marked 'DRC Appeal Busuma' on the back to:
CMS Ireland, Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park, 1st Floor, 245a Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT17 9LA
For more info contact:
Roger Thompson (CMSI Partnership Coordinator for Burundi)
Tel: 028 9077 5020
Email: rogerthompson@cmsireland.org