Nyarugusu camp, once home to over 50,000 Burundian refugees less than a year ago, is now almost empty as repatriation operations have accelerated over the last two months. This significant reduction in population shows the intensified efforts by Tanzanian authorities and international partners to facilitate returns to Burundi. Tanzanian authorities estimate that the repatriation process is largely advanced, with spokesperson Paul Makonda noting that the remaining Burundian refugees "ne sont pas nombreux." The dramatic shift from tens of thousands to a mere handful notes the final stages of a long-standing initiative. The camp president, speaking on behalf of the Tanzanian government, stated that the remaining 'few hundred Burundians' should be repatriated 'within a week', signaling an imminent conclusion to the Burundian refugee presence in the camp.
Accelerated Repatriation Efforts
Fewer than 200 Burundians remain in Nyarugusu camp, according to recent figures, a stark contrast to its population less than a year ago. To manage the final stages of this complex process, an additional one-month deadline has been granted to finalize the remaining repatriation operations from the camp. This extension provides a short but key window for the last group of refugees. The camp president, representing the Tanzanian Ministry of Interior, announced last weekend that the "l’exercice volontaire" (voluntary repatriation exercise) was over 90% complete, emphasizing the progress made in reducing the camp's population.
This deadline aims to ensure the orderly departure of the last remaining refugees, reflecting the Tanzanian government's commitment to the camp's closure. The camp president previously stated that "quelques centaines de Burundais" (a few hundred Burundians) were expected to be repatriated "d’ici une semaine" (within a week), a timeline that has now been adjusted with the one-month extension. The camp president also indicated that the facilities previously used for refugees would be designated for "usage public" (public use) after the final repatriations are completed. This move is part of the Tanzanian government's long-standing plan to close the camp and repurpose its infrastructure, integrating the land and resources back into the local community. The extended deadline provides a short window for those still in Nyarugusu to prepare for their return or seek alternative solutions, although the primary focus remains on voluntary repatriation to Burundi. The acceleration of these efforts over the past two months has been a key factor in reaching this advanced stage of repatriation.
Aid Suspension and Refugee Concerns
Humanitarian assistance from the World Food Programme (WFP) for Burundian refugees remaining in Nyarugusu has been suspended for approximately two months. This suspension adds significant pressure on the remaining population as the camp prepares for its closure, creating an urgent incentive for refugees to consider their options. The lack of food aid forces many to consider repatriation, even if they harbor concerns about returning to Burundi, making their decision-making process particularly challenging. The suspension of aid is a critical factor influencing the pace of returns, as it directly impacts the daily sustenance of those still residing in the camp.
Beyond the Burundian population, Nyarugusu camp also hosts Congolese refugees who have fled violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. These refugees, who are not subject to the same repatriation pressures as the Burundians, continue to reside in the camp, creating a complex demographic situation amidst the ongoing closure process. Their continued presence notes the differing circumstances and protections afforded to various refugee groups within the same facility. The presence of Congolese refugees also complicates the complete repurposing of the camp's infrastructure.
Refugees remaining in Nyarugusu have invoked the principle of non-refoulement, a core tenet of international refugee law. This principle prohibits returning individuals to countries where they face a risk of persecution or other serious threats to their life or freedom. Their appeal notes anxieties among some Burundian refugees regarding their safety and future if compelled to return to their home country, showing the delicate balance between repatriation efforts and international protection standards. These concerns are central to the discussions between refugees, humanitarian organizations, and host governments.
Camp Closure and Future Outlook
Nyarugusu is now the last site in Tanzania hosting Burundian refugees, marking a significant step in the country's long-term plan for refugee repatriation. This milestone reflects years of sustained effort to resolve the displacement crisis. Tanzanian authorities have indicated that refugees whose security would be threatened by a return to Burundi are "ne sont pas nombreux," and could potentially be transferred to the section of the camp currently occupied by Congolese refugees. This accommodation suggests a nuanced approach for those unable to safely return home, acknowledging that a small number of individuals may require continued protection within Tanzania. This potential transfer mechanism aims to uphold the principle of non-refoulement for those most vulnerable.
The camp was initially scheduled to close on June 30, 2026, but the accelerated repatriation efforts, particularly over the last two months, have significantly shifted this timeline forward, bringing the closure much closer. Before its closure, the camp of Nduta also ceased operations at the end of April 2026, demonstrating a broader trend of camp consolidation and closure in Tanzania. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) states it has focused its efforts on repatriation, offering return packages and supporting reintegration processes within Burundi. These efforts include providing assistance for housing, livelihoods, and access to essential services for returnees. The UNHCR's role is key in ensuring that returns are voluntary, safe, and dignified, and that reintegration is sustainable.
Despite these concerted efforts, nearly 200,000 Burundian refugees still reside in several countries across the region, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Zambia, and Malawi. This enduring displacement notes the ongoing regional challenges and the need for continued international support for both host countries and returnees. The situation in Nyarugusu camp, while nearing its conclusion for Burundian refugees, is part of a larger, complex humanitarian landscape. The successful closure of Nyarugusu for Burundian refugees could serve as a model for other repatriation efforts, while also drawing attention to the remaining populations in need of durable solutions across the continent.