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Thousands of Burundian refugees are returning home from Tanzania’s Nduta and Nyarugusu camps. They expressed gratitude for the shelter and services provided during their stay. The refugees emphasized their voluntary return, with officials denying claims of forced departures. Camps are set to close by 2026, allowing refugees to take materials for resettlement.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THOUSANDS of Burundian nationals who had been living in the Nduta refugee camp in Kibondo District and Nyarugusu camp in Kasulu District, Kigoma Region, have continued to return to their home country, Burundi.
The refugees expressed gratitude to the Government of Tanzania for providing them with shelter and essential services throughout their stay.
Speaking at different times, the refugees emphasized that they were neither forced nor pressured to leave Tanzania, and that they had not been denied social services such as food as a means of compelling their departure. They stated that they are returning voluntarily and are happy to go back to Burundi to participate in rebuilding their nation.
One of the refugees, Uwase Nshimirimana, thanked Tanzania for its hospitality and said she is optimistic about a better life back home. She added that returning will remove the label of being a refugee and allow them to live as ordinary citizens in their own country.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Coordinator of the Refugee Services Department for the Western Zone, Novatus Panda, dismissed reports claiming that refugees were being forced to return or denied food. He stated that the World Food Programme (WFP) has continued to provide food assistance without interruption.
According to a government announcement, Nduta camp is scheduled to officially close by March 31, 2026, while Nyarugusu camp is expected to close in June 2026 for Burundian refugees. Refugees returning voluntarily are also permitted to dismantle their houses and take construction materials with them to support their resettlement back home.
Burundi has faced significant political and social challenges over the years, leading to a large number of its citizens seeking refuge in neighboring countries, including Tanzania. The Nduta and Nyarugusu camps have been home to thousands of Burundian refugees, providing them with essential services and support. As conditions in Burundi improve, many refugees are now choosing to return home voluntarily, marking a significant step towards rebuilding their lives and communities after years of displacement.
