Burundi and UNHCR Announce Voluntary Repatriation for Congolese Refugees

BURUNDI – The Burundian government in conjunction with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced a voluntary repatriation program for thousands of Congolese refugees living in Burundi on Monday, amid decreasing humanitarian assistance.

The program, set to run from Thursday, marks an important step in regional efforts to promote durable solutions for displaced populations in a still fragile security context in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to officials.

“The return is part of a voluntary dynamic, based on the free choice of each person concerned,” a joint statement said.

The move comes amid a growing gap between escalating humanitarian needs and limited resources available to respond effectively.

In late February, UNHCR said the Busuma refugee site hosting roughly 66,000 Congolese refugees who arrived in Burundi since late 2025 faced acute shortages of clean water, food, medicine, shelter and protection services.

Stressing that no one will be forced to return to Congo, the authorities called on refugees wishing to return to their country to report at the established departure centers in order to finalize the administrative formalities, including support for family reunification at home.

Particular attention will be paid to households with children in school, people with special needs and public officials.

In the first phase, only certain territories have been recommended for resettlement in South Kivu province, including Uvira, the Uvira-Baraka axis, Fizi territory, Mboko and the Ruzizi plain.

The Burundian authorities reaffirmed their commitment to guarantee the security, protection and respect for the fundamental rights of refugees who remain behind.

The authorities also assured that vital humanitarian assistance at the various reception sites will continue to be given pending the repatriations.

Burundi hosts more than 230,000 refugees, mainly from Congo.

Of the $35 million required to provide lifesaving assistance for refugees in Burundi this year, only 20% had been received by late February, according to UNHCR.