WFP Warns Food Aid for 130,000 Refugees in Burundi Could End Without Funding

July 25, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Food assistance for more than 130,000 refugees in Burundi, most of them displaced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, could stop from October 2026 unless the United Nations World Food Programme secures 35 million US dollars in additional funding. The World Food Programme (WFP) said the funding is needed to maintain food and nutrition support for refugees through August 2027. Without new contributions, the agency warned that lifesaving food distributions will be halted entirely, leaving families who fled conflict without a critical source of support.

"Refugee families have already escaped from violence with little more than what they could carry. They came to Burundi looking for safety and something to eat, but now even that lifeline is at risk," said Arduino Mangoni, WFP’s acting country director in Burundi. Funding shortages have already forced the agency to reduce food rations, affecting refugees’ health and nutritional conditions. WFP said a complete suspension of assistance would likely increase hunger and malnutrition, while forcing vulnerable families to make difficult choices between food, shelter, healthcare and protection.

The number of refugees requiring support has increased sharply following renewed violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in late 2025. More than 100,000 people crossed into Burundi during the escalation, more than doubling the refugee population supported by WFP in the country. Although some refugees have voluntarily returned to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WFP said continued insecurity and regional instability could trigger further displacement and increase humanitarian needs.

"For people who cannot safely return home and have few ways to support themselves, WFP food assistance is not optional, it is what keeps families alive," Mangoni said. WFP is appealing to donors and the international community for immediate funding to maintain food supplies and prevent further deterioration of conditions among refugees and host communities. The agency said limited employment opportunities and continued displacement risks could push affected families towards harmful coping strategies if assistance is interrupted.

Source: FSX Business News