The World Food Programme (WFP) has received over US$625,000 from the Government of Japan to provide urgent food assistance for refugees fleeing recent violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundians returning from refugee camps in Tanzania. This contribution, equivalent to roughly two billion Burundian francs, comes at a critical time as the humanitarian needs in the country are rapidly increasing. In December, Burundi received 85,000 refugees from eastern DRC, prompting WFP to scale up its operations to provide hot meals and dry foods for 80,000 new arrivals, effectively doubling the number of people supported with the same resources.
Jean-Noel Gentile, WFP’s Country Director in Burundi, highlighted that Japan’s support allows WFP, in partnership with the Government of Burundi, to deliver life-saving assistance that protects both lives and dignity during this emergency. With the planned closure of Tanzanian refugee camps, Burundi expects up to 93,000 returnees by mid-2026. Currently, around 1,500 returnees arrive weekly, with estimates suggesting this could rise to 3,000 per week, placing additional pressure on WFP’s limited resources.
Mr. Kazuya Nakajo, Ambassador of Japan to Burundi, emphasized that Japan’s humanitarian assistance is guided by the philosophy of Human Security, prioritizing human-centred cooperation, dignity, and solidarity. Japan has been a longstanding supporter of WFP operations in Burundi, contributing US$16 million since 2016. The latest funding is part of a broader US$1 million allocation from Japan to WFP and UN Women to address the immediate needs of refugees from the DRC and returning Burundians from Tanzania.
This timely support strengthens WFP’s capacity to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis in Burundi, ensuring vulnerable populations receive essential nutrition and support as they navigate the challenges of displacement and return.
