ADVERTISEMENT

Children as young as 6 arrive alone in camps

More than 2,300 children have fled Burundi separated from their families and often completely alone in the last six weeks, the children's charity said.

A Burundian refugee child rests on their belongings on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Kagunga village in Kigoma region in western Tanzania, as they wait for MV Liemba to transport them to Kigoma township, May 18, 2015. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya

Children as young as six are fleeing political unrest in Burundi, travelling for days on foot without their parents and arriving in "unprecedented numbers" in refugee camps, Save the Children said on Saturday.

Many parents are staying behind to protect their homes from looting and possible destruction in Burundi's worst crisis since its ethnically charged civil war in 2005, while sending their children to what they hope is safety.

"Already, the numbers of children arriving alone or separated from their families are unprecedented," said Save the Children's East Africa operations manager, Edwin Kuria.

President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to seek a third term, despite a two-term limit under the constitution, has sparked almost daily protests in Burundi since April 26.

ADVERTISEMENT

As of June 5, more than 96,000 people had fled clashes between police and anti-government protesters, and made their way to Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Uganda, according to the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR.

"Children as young as six years old have arrived alone at the Mahama camp in Rwanda, exhausted and frightened," Kuria said in a statement.

"A three-year-old toddler got to the camp in the care of its 12-year-old sibling, they had made the long and difficult journey on their own. Many are arriving without shoes and with nothing but the clothes they are wearing."

According to the United Nations, nearly 60 percent of all newly arrived refugees in Rwanda are children.

TREACHEROUS JOURNEY

ADVERTISEMENT

Burundi's electoral body announced on Wednesday it had delayed planned local and parliamentary elections "until another date that is unknown" in response to an appeal from African leaders.

However, Save the Children said it feared more would flee the east African country as the risk of violence escalates in the run up to a presidential vote scheduled for June 26.

Ndayizeye, 16, who arrived in Rwanda with his younger brother told the aid agency they had no money for transport so they walked to Mahama refugee camp.

"We eventually encountered a deep river where armed groups controlled the crossing. We had to build a makeshift raft and cross at night, praying that they didn't see us and attack us," he was quoted by Save the Children as saying.

"Mercifully, we made it intact."

ADVERTISEMENT

On Monday, the United Nations released some $15 million in emergency funds to help refugees in Rwanda, and also Tanzania, where a cholera outbreak has killed more than 30 people and infected thousands more.

Save the Children said refugee camps in both countries were already overcrowded.

In Rwanda, refugees were queuing for up to six hours for water and in Tanzania, the demand for antenatal consultations had increased sixfold, it said.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT