OCHA Situation Report
Burundi
22 August - 1 September 2005


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

HIGHLIGHTS

Displacement of population: the persistent insecurity in Bubanza
Province continues to affect the population of Musigati despite reduced
fighting. Hundreds of families from Muyebe area still gather in safer
areas including health centres, schools) overnight. Meanwhile, displaced
families who had sought refuge in Musigati parish have returned to their
collines of origin. The priority is to ensure smooth distribution of
seeds (FAO) and seeds protection rations (WFP) in the coming weeks. OCHA
has conducted a field mission (1 September) to assess the needs of these
persons who are affected by the ongoing fighting between the national
defence force and Palipehutu-FNL, the last rebel movement.

Health

- Cholera update: since the epidemic breakout in early August, 198
cholera cases have been recorded in the neighbourhoods of Bujumbura
capital. Actions undertaken since the onset of the epidemics include
medical treatment, provision of clean water, community hygiene and
sanitation information campaigns. New cases recorded in the past week
originate from Kinama area where there are no public water points and
the rural neighbouring areas of Musaga and Kamenge. In addition to
Kamenge treatment unit, another unit has opened in Musaga and has been
functional since 23 August. WHO facilitates the coordination of all the
interventions conducted by partners including MSF-B, IRC and GVC.

- Meningitis: following reported cases of meningitis in Kirundo,
Muyinga, Ruyigi and Rutana provinces, during the health information
exchange meeting that was held on 31 August, participants recommended
reinforcing surveillance.

ACTIVITIES AND UPDATES

Food security: UN agencies and local authorities involved held meetings
nationwide over the last week to prepare the coming agricultural
campaign 2006 A-season. WFP plans to distribute food rations aimed at
protecting seeds to more than 179,000 families. Beneficiary lists were
validated in collaboration with local administration authorities, FAO,
WFP and NGO partners. Also, WFP has reported a decrease (by around 30%)
in admissions in eight nutritional centres in Muyinga province, which
had previously been affected by sharp shortages of food at the household
level and drought. This improvement was attributed to increased
participation in the food for work (FFW) programmes and the start of the
Mother-Child Healthcare programme (MCH) in that province.

WFP pipeline and food aid: during the reporting week, WFP has
distributed 1,091 MT of food aid to 79,740 beneficiaries.

Refugee returns: Burundian refugees from Tanzania continue to arrive
through the entry point of Mabanda in Makamba. A total of 895 persons
were registered in Mabanda transit centre over the reporting week. As of
28 August, UNHCR reports 34,344 facilitated and 1,161 spontaneous
returnees. Total: 35,505.

PROTECTION/SECURITY AND ACCESS

An armed group ambushed vehicles on Saturday [Aug 27] on the national
road Bujumbura-Bugarama (RN1) (source: local media). Toll: 2 persons
including a 15-year old girl were killed, 8 wounded and passengers'
properties were looted. The National Defence Force spokesman attributed
the crime to PALIPEHUTU-FNL. Meanwhile he urged all users of that road
to comply with the road opening and closing hours (8.00 AM - 4.30 PM).

Local radio station, African Public Radio, reported rebel attacks at
Ruvuno colline in Bukeye commune (Muramvya province) on Saturday [Aug
27] night. Toll: one person killed and unknown number of livestock
stolen.

Over the reporting week, the former 'gardiens de la paix' have
reportedly set barricades on roads claiming demobilization allowances in
Ruyigi Province.

COORDINATION

The Contact Group meeting was held on 24 August. OCHA presented the
linkages between mechanisms of humanitarian coordination and mechanisms
of development coordination. OCHA further informed participants that
preparations for the 2006 CHAP/CAP workshop scheduled on 12 September
were well under way.

For Information

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

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