DRC conflict sparks surge in sexual violence against refugee children in Burundi

Families fleeing the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo shelter at a school in northwestern Burundi's Cibitoke Province. (Photo: UNHCR)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Friday, June 27, 2025

According to Save the Children, over 65 per cent of these cases involved rape, while others included psychological and physical abuse.

A sharp increase in sexual violence against children fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been reported in Burundi, with the number of cases more than tripling in the first half of 2025, according to Save the Children.

Between January and June 2025, Save the Children recorded more than 478 cases of gender-based violence in Burundi, with over 170 involving children, the majority of them rape survivors.

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The organisation reported that this marked a 249 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The spike comes amid escalating conflict in eastern DRC, which has displaced over one million people in 2025 alone, including more than 41,000 who have fled across the border into Burundi, according to the UN.

According to Save the Children, over 65 per cent of these cases involved rape, while others included psychological and physical abuse.

Many of the incidents occurred during the children’s flight from conflict zones, with some reportedly raped alongside their parents, or witnessing sexual violence against their mothers.

In addition, more than 500 children arrived in the country without their families, including nearly 300 unaccompanied minors in urgent need of tracing and reunification services.

“Conflict-related sexual violence has long been used as a tool of war to intimidate and terrorise civilians. The impact on children is devastating, and my team witness this daily. Save the Children's work in Burundi reveals critical child protection concerns, and survivors need to receive medical care and protection, said Geoffrey Kirenga, Save the Children’s Head of Mission in Burundi.

“Tragically, we know the number of cases we have registered is just a drop in the ocean.  Children and community members often don’t report cases of severe violations because of fear of being victimised. It’s a tragic situation,” he added.

Save the Children stated that international aid cuts had significantly reduced its capacity to respond to the crisis.

Previously, survivors of sexual violence received hygiene and dignity kits, including sanitary pads, diapers, soap, and clothing items. However, due to reduced funding, many no longer have access to these essential supplies.

The organisation also reported that children affected by sexual violence were suffering from severe psychological trauma, with many at risk of long-term emotional and social consequences such as isolation, self-blame, and stigmatisation.

Save the Children warned that the current level of funding was insufficient to meet the growing needs and said the organisation may be forced to reduce or shut down vital protection programmes if support is not restored.

It urged the international community not to abandon vulnerable children at such a critical time.