Nineteen Congolese refugee families residing in the Kavumu camp in Buhumuza province, eastern Burundi, are requesting transfer to the Musenyi site in Musongati commune, Burunga province, in southeastern Burundi. These nineteen Congolese refugee families are currently housed at Kavumu camp in Burundi's Buhumuza province, located in the eastern part of the country. The families are specifically seeking this relocation amidst an ongoing registration campaign for refugees wishing to be repatriated to the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC). This registration initiative, launched by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (HCR) in collaboration with the National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (ONPRA), aims to identify and process refugees for voluntary return. The refugees in Kavumu aim to avoid potential exclusion from future repatriation efforts to the RDC by moving to Musenyi, emphasizing their desire for inclusion in the voluntary return program. These families explicitly claim that they fear being excluded from the voluntary repatriation program to the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), prompting their request for transfer.
Camp Conditions and Repatriation Fears
The families at Kavumu camp fear exclusion from the voluntary repatriation program to the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC). This fear of being overlooked by the voluntary repatriation program to the RDC is a primary driver for their request. The repatriation program primarily targets refugees originating from Uvira, located in the South Kivu province of eastern Congo. This specific focus on Uvira-origin refugees is a key concern for the families in Kavumu, as they believe their geographic origin might not align with the program's current criteria, potentially leading to their exclusion. Kavumu camp currently hosts approximately 20,000 Congolese refugees. In contrast, the Musenyi site accommodates around 22,000 Congolese refugees. The families believe that relocating to Musenyi would better position them for inclusion in future repatriation efforts, given the focus of the program on specific regions of origin within the RDC and the larger refugee population at Musenyi. Their concern stems from the possibility that their current location or other factors might lead to them being overlooked during the repatriation process, potentially leaving them behind as others return home. This proactive request for transfer notes the anxiety among refugees regarding their future and their desire to participate in official repatriation initiatives.
Background of Displacement and Site Growth
The nineteen families were initially transferred from Musenyi to Kavumu camp to allow their children to continue their schooling under the Congolese educational curriculum. This initial transfer was intended to facilitate the children's education according to their home country's system, ensuring continuity in their studies despite displacement. The Musenyi site experienced a significant population increase in January and February 2025, following the mass arrival of Congolese refugees fleeing clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This influx at Musenyi, which saw a substantial rise in its refugee population, occurred after the M23 rebel movement captured the cities of Goma and Bukavu, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. This event led to a large-scale displacement, contributing to the growing refugee numbers in Burundi. The Busuma site currently hosts over 60,000 Congolese refugees, further illustrating the scale of displacement in the region and the immense pressure on humanitarian resources. The rapid growth of sites like Musenyi and Busuma shows the ongoing humanitarian challenges posed by the conflict in eastern RDC, necessitating sustained international attention and aid.
Tensions and Humanitarian Concerns
Emergency shelters constructed at the Musenyi site remain insufficient for its population, a critical issue given the site's rapid expansion and the constant influx of new arrivals. Several households there have also reported a reduction in food assistance, adding to the difficulties faced by the refugees and raising concerns about food security. Meanwhile, tensions escalated at the Busuma site, leading to clashes between law enforcement and some refugees. These incidents resulted in fatalities and injuries among the refugee population, noting severe security concerns within the camps and the urgent need for improved protection mechanisms. The situation notes ongoing humanitarian challenges and security concerns within refugee camps in Burundi, particularly as sites like Musenyi and Busuma continue to manage large numbers of displaced Congolese individuals. The reported reduction in food aid and inadequate shelter conditions contribute to the difficulties faced by refugees, exacerbating their already precarious situation and increasing their vulnerability. The challenges at Busuma, including the violence and casualties, show the volatile environment and the urgent need for improved conditions and security measures across all refugee sites to prevent further loss of life and injury. The broader context of insufficient resources and escalating tensions creates a complex and challenging environment for both refugees and humanitarian organizations operating in the region.