Three bars of soap for Burundian refugees in the DR Congo

Since April 2015, there has been severe unrest in the East African country of Burundi due to protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza. He was nominated by the ruling party for a third term in office, which violates the constitution. Despite the protests and international criticism, the election took place in July, in which he received almost 70% of the votes despite a boycott by the opposition. The situation in the country is confusing and tense. Thousands of people are fleeing to neighboring countries, DR Congo and Tanzania. According to the UNHCR, over 15,000 refugees live in the east of DR Congo. The actual number is probably much higher, as the border region is considered confusing. Estimates suggest an additional 5,000 people. At the beginning of the crisis, there were only a few self-made straw huts in the makeshift refugee camp in Lusenda. The refugees drank the dirty water from a nearby river. This is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes that can transmit malaria. In addition to malaria, there were many cases of cholera and diarrhea, especially among children, pregnant women and the elderly. The United Nations set up an official refugee camp with tents instead of straw huts. Despite all this, the hygienic conditions are still very poor.