UN Raises Alarm Over Coercive Repatriation of Burundian Refugees from Tanzania
Concerns are intensifying regarding the repatriation of Burundian refugees from Tanzania, with reports suggesting that many are being compelled against their will to return to a country marred by violence and political instability. As of late November 2025, over 140,000 Burundians have sought refuge in Tanzania to escape ongoing conflict in their homeland, dating back to a civil war that erupted in the 1990s.
While the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) indicates that thousands are being repatriated voluntarily, it acknowledges that many continue to require security and support in Tanzania. Bahia Egeh, a UNHCR representative stationed in Tanzania, highlighted the plight of refugees who express fears over their safety and potential political persecution upon returning to Burundi, including opposition members and former military personnel. “There are rising concerns from refugees regarding forced returns and coercive measures,” Egeh stated.
Reports have emerged that, during the repatriation process, shelters housing refugees in Tanzania have been dismantled. Humanitarian organizations have criticized this conduct, claiming that it exacerbates already dire conditions, forcing some people into overcrowded temporary facilities. “Some refugees have also reportedly faced mistreatment during these processes,” Egeh added.
The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to countries where they could face harm, remains a cornerstone of international refugee law. UNHCR is staunchly advocating against any coercive tactics employed during repatriation. The organization emphasizes that the safety and dignity of refugees must be prioritized in all efforts.
Many of the Burundian refugees currently residing in Tanzania are familiar with displacement due to enduring conflicts. Some fled during the earlier civil war and returned, only to leave again following a resurgence of violence and civil unrest that began in 2015.
Two primary refugee camps exist in Tanzania’s northwestern Kigoma region: Nduta and Nyarugusu, with the latter being the larger of the two. A recent announcement regarding the impending closure of Nduta camp in March has prompted many refugees to seek relocation to Nyarugusu, further straining facilities that have already been affected by dwindling resources.
According to Egeh, conditions within these camps are challenging, with drastic funding reductions leading to a significant diminishment of support services. Previously, UNHCR aided the voluntary return of around 390,000 refugees from Tanzania between 2002 and 2009, and in 2014, approximately 162,000 Burundian nationals were granted Tanzanian citizenship.
In 2017, it was regarded as safe for Burundian refugees to return home, leading to a tripartite agreement between the governments of Burundi and Tanzania, along with UNHCR, aimed at facilitating voluntary repatriation. Although initial progress was promising, the COVID-19 pandemic stalled many repatriation efforts.
However, recent months have seen renewed vigor in these endeavors, with a target established to repatriate 3,000 refugees weekly. This has shifted UNHCR’s role from facilitation to active promotion of voluntary returns. By the start of 2026, over 28,000 refugees had already returned from Tanzania, surpassing the established weekly targets. A total of over 180,000 refugees have now returned since the 2017 agreement.
Yet, the UNHCR’s latest statement expresses deep concern regarding the conditions refugees face during these expedited repatriation efforts. Egeh remarked that, “refugee shelters have been demolished, forcing people to take temporary refuge in already overcrowded departure centers.” She reiterated the agency’s commitment to advocating for adherence to the tripartite agreement, emphasizing that returns must be conducted in safety and dignity, upholding every refugee’s right to be treated with respect.
To mitigate risks, UNHCR has established a dedicated protection help desk to evaluate the willingness of refugees to return, ensuring those who still require international protection remain safe in Tanzania.
The challenging situation has also arisen amidst severe funding cuts, which have reduced the number of operational health facilities in camps like Nyarugusu—from ten to just two. Egeh noted that reception and transit centers in Burundi are becoming increasingly overwhelmed due to the influx of returnees amid limited resources.
As the situation develops, Egeh underscores the critical need for renewed support in Burundi to promote sustainable return for refugees who have faced decades of displacement. UNHCR remains resolute in its commitment to support both returning refugees and those who wish to remain in Tanzania, upholding their rights and addressing their needs at every stage of the process.
— Reported by Nexio News
