Refugee exodus from Burundi sparks concerns 'overstretched' neighbours will not cope
LONDON - The number of refugees fleeing violence, abductions and torture in Burundi has passed 300,000, the United Nations said on Friday, raising fears neighbouring countries will struggle to cope with the influx amid rising political instability.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) urged the international community to "step up" efforts to curtail political unrest in the central African nation, and increase donations for basic services like food, medical aid and shelter.
In July and August alone, more than 20,000 Burundians have fled to neighbouring countries Tanzania, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Uganda and Zambia.
"We expect the number of arrivals will continue to rise in the remaining months of this year," UNHCR spokesman William Spindler said in a statement.
