The return of Burundian exiles to Nyanza commune, Burunga province, is seen by some residents as a key factor in fostering social cohesion and reducing mistrust. Residents of Muyange hill, Nyanza commune, believe the continued presence of Burundians abroad against their will fuels mistrust between exiles and those who remained. Dismas Ndayikengurukiye notes that this absence contributes to a climate of suspicion. The return of exiles can promote social cohesion and reduce hate speech, according to local observations. Their presence allows for direct contact, which helps deconstruct stereotypes and reduce tensions, residents indicate. The successful return and reintegration of these individuals demonstrate the possibility of living together despite differences, thereby weakening messages that portray certain groups as enemies.
Roots of Mistrust and Hate
Long years of exile can lead refugees to lose hope and become susceptible to manipulation by political groups, according to Espérance Nkurikiye. She stated, "Les réfugiés perdent souvent espoir avec de longues années d’exil. Ils peuvent être manipulés par des groupes politiques. Certains craignent même que leur retour au pays ne mette leur vie en danger. À leur tour, des résidents peuvent considérer les exilés comme des personnes à surveiller. Ce qui entretient la méfiance." This perspective suggests that residents may view exiles with suspicion, fostering continued mistrust. Such prolonged absence also fuels rumors and negative perceptions between those living abroad and those who remained in the country. The vulnerability of exiles is sometimes exploited by politicians, who may draw them into rebellions.
Jean Ndayizeye observed that hate speech often thrives on the fear of the other. He explained, "les discours de haine prospèrent à partir de la peur de l’autre. Le retour et la réintégration des exilés démontrent concrètement qu’il est possible de vivre ensemble malgré les divergences. Ce qui affaiblit les messages qui présentent certains groupes comme des ennemis." Désiré Mukunzi noted that in refugee camps in Tanzania, information frequently portrayed Burundians who stayed in the country as responsible for the exiles' misfortunes. These messages contribute to discouragement and perpetuate mistrust towards Burundi. Social media platforms further amplify these frustrations, facilitating the widespread dissemination of hostile messages.
The Path to Reconciliation
Repatriated exiles can engage in dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation initiatives upon their return. Désiré Mukunzi, a local councilor on Muyange hill and a former refugee, returned to Burundi in 2012. Mukunzi stated that in the refugee camps in Tanzania, "the information disseminated often presented the people who remained in the country as responsible for the misfortunes of the exiles." He added that "these messages cause discouragement and maintain mistrust towards Burundi." Mukunzi also noted that "some groups oppose the return of refugees in order to preserve their own interests, despite the return of peace and stability in the country."
Mukunzi expressed concern that "the presence of thousands of Burundians abroad remains a source of worry." He fears that "some people may be manipulated and used to destabilize the country or challenge the achievements already made." He appealed for refugees to return to their homeland. Mukunzi urged local communities to provide a positive welcome to returnees and support their reintegration. He also called on residents who remained in the hills to "avoid any attitude of distrust or suspicion towards those returning from exile."
Dismas Ndayikengurukiye advocates for establishing a dialogue framework between exiles and authorities. This framework aims to assess the root causes of exile, reassure concerned individuals, and restore trust. A return process built on dialogue and trust is expected to mitigate tensions and reduce the prevalence of hate speech.
Challenges and Hopes
Some refugees fear their return to Burundi will put their lives in danger, according to reports. Researcher and peacebuilding expert Dismas Ndayikengurukiye noted that some exiles consider stability incomplete as long as not all citizens can return freely. He stated, "Certains exilés considèrent que la stabilité reste incomplète tant que tous les citoyens ne peuvent rentrer librement tandis que d’autres voix appellent à la vigilance face à ce qui pourrait être préparé hors du pays. Ces perceptions opposées entretiennent les tensions et freinent le retour volontaire." Ndayikengurukiye added that the continued presence of Burundians abroad against their will fuels mistrust between exiles and residents. He explained, "la présence de Burundais vivant à l’étranger contre leur gré alimente la méfiance entre exilés et résidents."
Dismas Ndayikengurukiye believes that "le rapatriement volontaire des exilés peut contribuer à réduire les discours de haine, à condition que les causes de l’exil soient abordées dans un dialogue sincère entre les parties concernées." He also suggested establishing a dialogue framework between exiles and authorities to assess the causes of exile, reassure individuals, and restore trust. Ndayikengurukiye stated, "un cadre de dialogue entre les exilés et les autorités afin d’évaluer les causes de l’exil, rassurer les personnes concernées et restaurer la confiance. Un retour fondé sur le dialogue et la confiance permettrait d’atténuer les tensions et de réduire les messages de haine." Some groups are reported to oppose the return of refugees, seeking to preserve their own interests despite the return of peace and stability. Local councilor Désiré Mukunzi fears that some individuals might be manipulated and used to destabilize the country or challenge existing achievements. Ndayikengurukiye also observed that social media platforms amplify frustrations, potentially spreading hostile messages and negatively influencing development partners.
