Civilian camp population tops 300,000

The number of civilians in 53 regroupment camps in Bujumbura Rural, guarded by the military, has now passed 300,000 and relief agencies are increasingly concerned for the welfare of camp residents, humanitarian sources told IRIN on Friday. “It’s quite worrying to think about, but we’re sitting here with our hands tied. We just can’t afford to take any chances in the current climate,” said an aid worker in Bujumbura, referring to last week’s killing of two humanitarian workers which have effectively confined UN agencies and NGOs to the capital since. While lack of food and drinking water, coupled with continuing rains, were a real problem in the camps, the most worrying prospect was of epidemics sweeping through, the sources said.

A UN security team that has been assessing the situation inside Burundi since the killings was due to finish its work on Friday, with a security meeting scheduled for Bujumbura in the evening. Meanwhile, the situation continued to be confusing and frustrating for relief workers. “The needs are still there, and probably greater than ever,” one relief worker told IRIN.