OCHA Situation Report
Burundi
21 - 27 November 2005


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

ACTIVITIES AND UPDATES
Education:

A meeting between Government representatives, UN agencies and donors was
organised on 25 November to continue the dialogue among partners working
in the education sector. Participants discussed progress made further to
the conclusions of previous meetings and of the joint mission conducted
by World Bank, the Belgian and British development agencies (BTC and
DFID) and UNICEF between 27 Oct and 5 Nov. They also held consultations
over mechanisms supporting the new Government in the implementation of
the recommendations of said mission.

Due to the heavy rains that hit several provinces over the last week,
infrastructures were destroyed. In Bujumbura Rural, the roof of
classrooms at Gitwe primary school (Muhuta commune) was blown off
causing the death of 2 children and injuring 10 others. OCHA has
facilitated meetings between partners (MSF-B, UNICEF and ONUB) who can
cover healthcare costs for the injured children and support the
rehabilitation of the school.

Water and Sanitation: In line with its policy to protection of life and
dignity of affected populations, ICRC has completed the construction of
water supply systems in Ryansoro Commune (Gitega) which will
directly/indirectly benefit some 13,000 persons and a local health
centre. The latter was constructed in 2003 but had not been functioning
since due to a lack of water. The water supply system was officially
inaugurated on 24 November.

Further to the announcement by the Italian Cooperation to immediately
pull out of its water trucking programme in Gatumba and Kabezi areas in
Bujumbura Rural, International Rescue Committee (IRC) announced that it
would take over until the end of 2005.

Non Food Items (NFI): Over the last week, CRS has delivered non food
items to vulnerables in Kinama commune (Bujumbura Town). A total of 576
families including child-headed households received the NFI kit except
for plastic sheeting.

Returnees / Refugees:

As of 27 November, UNHCR has repatriated 66,346 including 64,897
facilitated and 1,449 spontaneous returnees in 2005. During the
reporting period UNHCR facilitated the return of 916 refugees and
registered 4 spontaneous returns.

Congolese refugees who arrived throughout the month of November in
Rugombo Commune (Cibitoke Province) continued to be transferred to
Gasorwe refugee camp in Muyinga Province. On 22 November the second
convoy brought 134 refugees to the camp. The activity will continue for
the remaining new arrivals in order to better protect and assist the
refugees.

Food Aid Distribution, Assistance to the vulnerable in Bujumbura Rural:
WFP resumed distribution of assistance to landless households in
Rukaramu (Mutimbuzi, Bujumbura Rural) from 23 to 25 November. 14,200 out
of 15,000 targeted persons received a ten-day ration. Total distributed
was 84,3 MT. The distribution of food aid was suspended a year ago due
to alleged theft and selling of the food aid.

Food security: In their meeting held on 23 November, Ruyigi provincial
authorities and humanitarian actors concluded that food shortage was a
serious concern in the province. They requested an increase in the
number recipients of food aid. The situation is deteriorating due to
delayed and erratic rainfalls following an already poor harvest in
mid-2005.

PROTECTION, SECURITY AND ACCESS

Displacement of population: Night displacement was reported again in
Muyebe, Kivyuka and Ntamba areas (Musigati commune, Bubanza province).
Persons fearing FNL rebel movement reprisals spent the night either near
military positions or hiding in the bush. A deterioration of their
health should be expected since they are moving in a period of heavy
rains in the province.

Landmines: On 19 November, three young farmers were reportedly wounded
in a landmine explosion in Nyarusenge, Kabezi Commune (Bujumbura Rural).
Meanwhile, the Swiss Foundation for Demining (Fondation Suisse de
Deminage ? FSD) has completed the mapping of mined areas in Ruyigi
province. Strong advocacy for clearance of such areas is needed in order
to allow access and implementation of activities aimed at reintegration
of war affected persons.

Human Rights Violations: Arrests and detention of persons suspected of
collaborating with the FNL movement were reported in Bujumbura Rural,
Bubanza and Cibitoke. The most affected communes in Bujumbura Rural are
Kanyosha, Isale, Nyabiraba and Mutimbuzi. After having been denied
access previously, human rights associations were allowed to visit 103
alleged FNL rebels held in police custody in Bujumbura Marie since 22
November.

On 20 November, two persons were reportedly killed in Kivomo and Mubone
hills (Kabezi commune, Bujumbura Rural) in separate incidents. On 24
November, FNL rebels attacked households in Gihosha commune bordering
Bujumbura Rural. In an effort to repel the attack, the military
retaliated. Fighting lasted about three hours and some homes were
looted.

Security - Bujumbura Mairie: Heavy gunfire was heard in Kamenge and
Kinama neighbourhoods on 20 November. No casualties were reported.
However, according to the communal administrator in Kinama, the security
situation is not good.

Access: Despite security incidents reported over the week, access to
communes in Bujumbura Rural was not restricted.

For Information

Adelaide Habonimana,
National Information Officer,
PH: (257) 910 196,
E-mail: habonimanaa@un.org

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