Roundup: UN warns of new wave of refugees as Burundi crisis worsens

The UN's refugee agency has warned that the further deterioration of the Burundi crisis is likely to spark off a new wave of refugees fleeing the east African country.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in its report marking one year since the onset of the Burundi crisis said almost 260,000 people have fled to nearby countries and thousands more could join them over the rest of the year unless a political solution is found and a descent into civil war averted.

The agency in its April 25 report said a smaller number of refugees is arriving in neighboring countries in recent weeks as it has become harder to cross the borders.

"Many asylum seekers or new arrivals report human rights abuses in Burundi, including torture, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, intimidation, forced recruitment by militia, killings and extortion," the report said.

UNHCR estimates that some 330,000 refugees would have fled the country by end of this year since the crisis started last year. UN figures show that more than 400 people have died since the conflict erupted.

The refugee agency urged the host nations, Rwanda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda not to close their doors to the escalating number of refugees.

"These countries continue to generously accept people, despite space restrictions and capacity problems. We urge host countries to keep their doors open and donors to continue and step up support for the refugee response," the agency said.

It said international response is need to help ease the tension and encourage an inclusive dialogue among the Burundi warring parties.

It said the worsening economic conditions inside Burundi could exacerbate the situation, fueling further displacement and making return conditions less favorable.

"Most of the refugees and thousands of internally displaced will probably not return home under present conditions," UNHCR said.

The agency said it needs funding of its humanitarian activities urgently, noting that it has received only 47.8 million U.S. dollars out of the budgeted 175.1 million dollars.

"We are struggling to provide even the basics such as shelter, household items and latrines," it said.

It warned that if the funding continues to fall short, provision of services such as specialized counselling, care for the disabled and elderly, protection of the environment and primary health care may not be actualized.

The agency said it will in the coming year put emphasis on encouraging refugees to become self-sufficient at a time when budget shortfalls are leading to cuts in some assistance.

The Burundi crisis was started by the successful bid by the country's President Pierre Nkurunziza to run for a third term in office contrary to the country's Constitution.

Regional leaders last year appointed Uganda to facilitate the talks between the rival parties in a bid to stop the violence.

The talks started in Uganda late last year but hit a deadlock prompting the regional heads to appoint Benjamin Mkapa, former Tanzanian president to expedite the negotiations. Enditem