In southern Burundi, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), lies the Cishemere refugee camp. This is where thousands of Congolese families have fled, escaping violence and insecurity in the provinces of North and South Kivu. Yet even after fleeing bullets and armed conflict, life in the camp remains harsh, marked by rain-soaked nights, hunger, and deep uncertainty about the future.
Many refugees say the tents they live in cannot protect them from heavy rain and strong winds. When night falls, some try to squeeze into the driest corners of torn shelters, while others remain seated through the night because the ground is flooded.
One man who fled with his family said: “When we sleep, the rain falls on us like animals. Water enters the tent, and we sleep in mud and cold.”
Children are the most affected. Parents report a rise in coughs, flu, and illnesses linked to poor sanitation, especially during the rainy season.
Another major challenge in Cishemere is the lack of food. Refugees say food aid is often insufficient and sometimes arrives late. As a result, many families are forced to reduce their meals, with some eating only once a day.
Clean water is also scarce. Large crowds line up at a single water point, and the supply is not enough for everyone. Women and children often spend hours fetching water, leaving little time for school or other activities.
Many parents say their children have nowhere to study. Although a few temporary learning spaces have been set up, they are overcrowded and lack basic materials. Some children fall behind in their studies, while others miss out on education altogether.
Despite the difficult conditions, refugees in Cishemere continue to hope that one day peace will return to their homeland. Most say they do not want to live in camps forever; they simply want stability so they can rebuild their lives back home.
Humanitarian agencies are calling for increased international support to improve living conditions, through stronger shelters, more food supplies, clean water, and access to education.
The Cishemere camp reflects the harsh reality faced by many refugees in the Great Lakes region. They escape war, only to find themselves struggling for survival in overcrowded camps. The words “when we sleep, the rain falls on us like animals” do not only describe the storms that drench their shelters, they also reveal a life stripped of dignity and certainty.
As conflict and instability persist in eastern DRC, the refugee crisis will remain a major challenge for neighbouring countries and the international community, unless a lasting solution for peace and development is found.
