Refugees at the Bwagiriza camp in Ruyigi commune, Buhumuza province, eastern Burundi, have reported demands for money in exchange for exit permits. The difficulties in obtaining these key documents have reportedly intensified in recent days, according to camp residents. Some refugees claim they are being asked for payment to secure the necessary documentation to leave the camp temporarily, a practice that directly contradicts established procedures.
Exit Permit Obstacles
Refugees at the Bwagiriza camp are encountering significant difficulties in obtaining 'billets de sortie', which are official exit permits allowing temporary travel outside the camp. This document is essential for refugees who need to attend to personal matters, seek medical care outside the camp, or visit relatives. Witnesses reported that payments demanded for these permits can exceed 20,000 Burundian francs, a substantial sum for individuals who often live in precarious economic conditions. The Bwagiriza camp, located in Ruyigi commune, Buhumuza province, currently accommodates more than 8,000 refugees, making the widespread nature of these demands a serious concern. Camp residents stated that these exit permits are officially supposed to be issued free of charge, making the reported demands for money a significant point of contention for those seeking to leave the camp temporarily. The alleged charges create an additional and often insurmountable financial burden for refugees already facing challenging circumstances, effectively trapping them within the camp boundaries unless they can afford the illicit payments.
Barrier Extortion Allegations
Refugees at the Bwagiriza camp have repeatedly requested the removal of a barrier or an end to the illicit practices occurring there, but these pleas have so far gone without significant change. A barrier is reportedly installed near the camp at Kwisumo Centre, creating an additional checkpoint for those attempting to circulate outside the camp. Young people, identified by refugees as 'Imbonerakure' – the youth league of the ruling CNDD-FDD party – allegedly demand money at this Kwisumo Centre barrier from refugees attempting to pass. These demands are reportedly made for simple circulation, adding another layer of financial exploitation to the already difficult process of obtaining exit permits. Refugees want authorities to investigate the presence of these barriers and the accusations of demanded payments for circulation, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. The continued presence of the barrier and the alleged demands for payment have prompted urgent calls for official intervention from the camp's residents, who feel their freedom of movement is being unlawfully restricted and monetized.
Administrative Service Corruption
Competent authorities and the Office national de protection des réfugiés et des apatrides (ONPRA) have not yet publicly reacted to the accusations of extortion, leaving refugees feeling unheard and unprotected. This silence from official channels has only intensified the concerns among the camp residents. Refugees also report alleged corruption practices in accessing various services from ONPRA itself, the very agency mandated to protect their rights. These alleged practices within ONPRA include demands for payment for services that should be provided free of charge to refugees, extending beyond just exit permits to other essential administrative functions. The lack of official response from both general authorities and the refugee protection agency has intensified concerns among the camp residents regarding the reported illicit demands for exit permits and other services, fostering an environment of distrust and vulnerability. This situation notes a critical gap in oversight and enforcement, allowing these alleged corrupt practices to persist unchecked.
Refugee Demands and Silence
Refugees at Bwagiriza camp are calling for greater transparency in the process of issuing exit permits, urging for clear guidelines and the elimination of informal payment demands. They are also demanding the establishment of a clear, accessible mechanism to report instances of undue money demands without fear of reprisal. These demands come amid ongoing allegations of extortion for temporary travel documents from the camp, which impede their ability to move freely and access necessary services outside the camp. Camp residents hope that increased oversight and a formal reporting system would help curb the alleged illicit payments, ensuring that all refugees can obtain their 'billets de sortie' as required by law. The proposed mechanism aims to provide a safe channel for refugees to voice grievances without fear of reprisal, ensuring that permits are issued without financial burden and that those responsible for illicit demands are held accountable. The continued silence from authorities on these serious allegations only exacerbates the frustration and distress among the refugee population.