In September, close to 3,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers were newly recorded in the region. The largest number was recorded in Uganda with 1,154 newly registered Burundian refugees.

Voluntary Repatriation of Burundian Refugees from Tanzania started on 7 September 2017. As of 30 September 2017, a total of 2,343 Burundian refugees, including 240 persons with specific needs (PSNs), were facilitated to return to Burundi.

Following the death of 38 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers in Kamanyola, South Kivu, in a confrontation with armed forces, UNHCR is providing emergency aid and called for investigation.

In the new site of Mulongwe works are ongoing with two operational partners (MEDEOR and CARITAS) working with their own funds. However, works have slowed down due to the worsening security situation in Fizi territory.

Cholera epidemics was declared in the territories of Fizi and Uvira. No cases have been reported so far in refugees hosting structures. Preventive measures were put in place.

As of 31 August 2017, the number of new arrivals was 4,887 since January 2017. The arrival rate over the year is an average of 20 individuals per day so far. Of the 4,887 new arrivals, 52% have settled in Reception Centers and the rest of 48% have settled in urban areas ( Kigali, Huye).

Individual Refugee Status Determination processing has commenced in Nduta Camp in Tanzania for some 28,000 Burundian asylum seekers living in the camp. Tanzania has lifted prima facie refugee recognition in January 2017, after which arrival rates dropped significantly. Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC continue to accept Burundians on prima facie basis.

UNHCR launched the 2017 Supplementary Appeal for the Burundi Situation. Currently 2% of the overall funding requirements (US$ 250 million) has been received. More funding is urgently needed to increase capacity and to decongest overcrowded camps.

The Burundi Situation needs urgent funding, as the total amount of contributions amounts to 1% of the overall needs. There are significant needs in refugee settlements, as the overall refugee population has grown to over 400,000, with new arrivals coming on a daily basis.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is forced to implement food cuts in the region, affecting Burundian refugees in Tanzania and Rwanda. In Rwanda food assistance is secured only until the end of April. A possible drastic cut in food rations is foreseen in the month of May (51%) and onwards, if no further contributions are received from donors.