88,000 Congolese Refugees Flee to Burundi as Churches Appeal for Help
More than 88,000 Congolese civilians have fled into Burundi since early December as M23 rebels backed by Rwanda seized strategic cities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, overwhelming border communities and prompting churches to issue urgent appeals for international support.
The exodus intensified after M23 captured the port city of Uvira on December 10, just days after regional leaders signed the Washington Accords, a U.S. brokered peace agreement between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the M23 offensive a "clear violation" of the accord signed by President Trump.
Edmund Gakiza, general secretary of the Alliance of Evangelicals in Burundi, told Christian Daily International the crisis represents a "moral and spiritual" emergency requiring response grounded in the theology of the "one body" of Christ. "Churches have become the first point of contact for many families arriving with nothing but fear and exhaustion," Gakiza said.
UNHCR reports overcrowded camps, long lines for food and water, and disease outbreaks among the most urgent challenges. Field assessments show 83% of refugees, the vast majority women and children, suffer from severe emotional distress. Doctors Without Borders reported on December 23 that 42% of malaria tests at the Ndava site returned positive, with families housed in mud soaked tents.
Burundi launched a comprehensive emergency response plan on December 18, issuing an interagency flash appeal to raise $33.2 million to support 90,000 new arrivals over four months. The government ordered refugees living in private housing to return to government monitored transit sites to address security concerns and a worsening cholera outbreak at the Gatumba transit camp.
Local congregations are providing meals, blankets, and basic medical care, but church leaders say needs far exceed their capacity. "We are doing everything we can to help families who arrive with nothing," Gakiza said. "Children are especially vulnerable, and families are arriving in shock and trauma."
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
88,000 refugees. Women and children fleeing Rwanda backed M23 rebels.
Churches responded immediately. Providing meals, blankets, medical care. Because that's what the church does when government fails.
83% suffering severe emotional distress. 42% testing positive for malaria. Cholera outbreaks spreading. Mud soaked tents. Children vulnerable.
And where are the headlines? Where's the international outcry? Where's the emergency UN session?
Congolese Christians flee violence. Burundian churches absorb refugees despite having almost nothing themselves. This is Matthew 25 lived out. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
Edmund Gakiza called it a "moral and spiritual" crisis requiring theology of the "one body." That's exactly right. When Congolese believers suffer, the global church suffers. When they flee, we should respond.
But Western churches debate pronouns and reparations while African churches literally house refugees fleeing genocide.
The Washington Accords collapsed immediately. M23 seized Uvira days after Trump brokered peace. Rubio condemned it as clear violation. But words don't stop bullets. Words don't feed 88,000 displaced people.
Churches act while governments negotiate. Congregations provide while politicians posture.
This is the pattern throughout history. When crisis hits, believers respond first. Government follows eventually. Sometimes.
Gakiza appealed to the global church for prayer, solidarity, and practical support. That's not abstract. That's direct call to action for every Christian reading this.
TAKE ACTION
Alliance of Evangelicals in Burundi: Support churches directly providing refugee assistance
Doctors Without Borders: Website: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org Donate to medical response at Ndava site
UNHCR Burundi Response: Website: https://www.unhcr.org/burundi Direct support for Congolese refugee emergency
Pray and Give: For 88,000 refugees, 83% suffering trauma. For Burundian churches overwhelmed by need. For children vulnerable to disease. Give directly to African churches responding on the ground.
