Marguerite Barankitse, a Burundian humanitarian, marked World Refugee Day on June 20 by speaking out against the displacement of her compatriots, having herself left Burundi following the 2015 crisis. World Refugee Day, celebrated annually on June 20, serves as a global observance to raise awareness of the situations of refugees throughout the world. On this significant day, Ms. Barankitse emphasized the human dignity of refugees while reflecting on her own exile, which began following the political turmoil and widespread unrest that gripped Burundi in 2015. Barankitse stated that "Personne n’a le droit d’exiler presque un demi-million de Burundais," criticizing the circumstances that led to such a large-scale displacement of her fellow citizens. This powerful statement shows her deep concern for the hundreds of thousands of Burundians forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in other nations.
She asserted that "Le réfugié est une personne humaine normale vivant dans une situation anormale," noting the inherent worth of displaced individuals despite the extraordinary challenges they face. This definition reframes the perception of refugees from passive victims to individuals living under duress, yet retaining their fundamental humanity. Barankitse also shared her personal feelings about the situation, noting, "Cela me chagrine, mais c’est aussi ma résistance. C’est ma façon d’appeler les Burundais à réclamer leur dignité." Her activism, therefore, is not merely a critique of the past but a forward-looking effort to empower Burundians in exile to maintain their identity and prepare for future contributions, whether in their host countries or upon a potential return to Burundi. This resilience, she explained, fuels her continued advocacy.
Personal Ordeal and Legal Battles
Marguerite Barankitse has experienced over eleven years as a refugee, a period marked by significant personal and legal challenges. Her status as a refugee for more than a decade notes the enduring nature of her exile and the prolonged impact of the 2015 crisis on her life. Burundian authorities convicted Ms. Barankitse in absentia, sentencing her to life imprisonment plus an additional twenty years. This severe legal action was taken after she left the country. Authorities in Burundi accuse her of participating in the failed coup of May 2015 and supporting earlier protests against then-President Pierre Nkurunziza. These accusations form the basis of the charges brought against her by the Burundian government. Ms. Barankitse has consistently rejected these accusations, maintaining her innocence regarding any involvement in the coup attempt or illegal activities. As a direct consequence of these legal actions, her assets in Burundi were seized, and the accounts of her organization, Maison Shalom, located in Burundi, were frozen, severely impacting its operations within the country.
The legal and financial repercussions have not deterred Ms. Barankitse from her humanitarian mission. Her steadfast refusal to accept the accusations shows her commitment to her work and her belief in the justice of her cause. The freezing of Maison Shalom's accounts and the seizure of her personal assets represent significant obstacles, yet her advocacy for refugees continues unabated from abroad. This ongoing struggle illustrates the personal cost of her commitment to human rights and dignity in Burundi.
The Plight of Burundian Refugees
Hundreds of thousands of Burundian refugees currently reside in neighboring countries, including Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their presence in these nations is a direct result of the instability and violence that have plagued Burundi. The Mahama camp in Rwanda, for example, accommodates over 70,000 Burundian and Congolese refugees, representing a significant concentration of displaced individuals in a single location. Despite their presence in these host nations, many Burundian refugees encounter significant challenges, with access to education, healthcare, employment, and durable legal protection often remaining limited. These limitations hinder their ability to rebuild their lives and contribute fully to their temporary communities.
Human rights organizations have reported concerns regarding pressure on Burundian refugees in Tanzania to accept repatriation to Burundi, raising questions about the voluntary nature of such returns. Marguerite Barankitse, a Burundian humanitarian, has publicly questioned the global response to such displacement and the plight of those seeking safety. "Combien de personnes meurent aujourd’hui dans les mers et les océans parce qu’on leur ferme les portes ?" Barankitse asked, noting the fatal consequences faced by individuals seeking refuge when avenues for safe passage and asylum are restricted. Her question serves as a stark reminder of the desperate measures people take to escape persecution and the often tragic outcomes.
Barankitse has emphasized the importance of recognizing the humanity of displaced individuals, stating, "Je refuse de parler de camp. C’est une cité," when referring to refugee settlements. This perspective aims to dignify refugee communities, viewing them not as temporary holding areas but as nascent urban centers where people live, work, and strive for normalcy. She maintains that refugees should not be viewed as burdens but as potential contributors to their host communities and future homelands. "Les migrants enrichissent les pays qui les accueillent," Barankitse asserted, advocating for a perspective that acknowledges the positive impact of displaced populations on the economies and cultures of their host nations. She also stressed the fundamental loss experienced by those forced from their homes. "Perdre son identité et ne pas avoir un pays, c’est le plus grand crime que l’on peut infliger à quelqu’un," Barankitse stated, articulating the profound psychological and emotional toll of forced displacement and the stripping away of one's national belonging.
A Call for Dignity and Contribution
Marguerite Barankitse recently gave an interview to Amjambo Africa, a community media outlet based in Maine, USA, in May, where she articulated her vision for refugees. During this interview, Ms. Barankitse emphasized that refugees should be seen as assets, reiterating her belief by stating, "Les migrants enrichissent les pays qui les accueillent." Her message consistently promotes the idea that displaced individuals bring valuable skills, perspectives, and cultural richness to their new environments. She also received her eighth honorary doctorate from the Catholic University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, further noting her global recognition and the widespread acknowledgment of her humanitarian work. This academic honor shows the international respect and admiration she has drew for her tireless efforts.
Barankitse expressed her belief that refugees have a critical role to play, asserting they should "learn, create, undertake, and prepare to rebuild their country." This forward-looking approach encourages self-reliance and active participation in their own future, rather than passive waiting. She maintains an optimistic outlook despite her own challenges and the hardships faced by her compatriots, declaring, "Je ne suis pas une femme amère." This statement reflects her profound resilience and her refusal to let personal suffering overshadow her commitment to hope and positive change. Her personal feelings about the situation were also shared, as she noted, "Cela me chagrine, mais c’est aussi ma résistance. C’est ma façon d’appeler les Burundais à réclamer leur dignité." This sentiment encapsulates her motivation: a deep sorrow for the situation combined with an unyielding determination to fight for the rights and dignity of her people.
Ms. Barankitse consistently advocates for recognizing the inherent humanity of displaced individuals, urging the international community to look beyond their status as refugees. She reiterated her definition of a refugee, stating, "Le réfugié est une personne humaine normale vivant dans une situation anormale," a powerful statement that seeks to normalize the individual while acknowledging the abnormal circumstances they endure. She also noted the profound loss experienced by those forced from their homes, stating, "Perdre son identité et ne pas avoir un pays, c’est le plus grand crime que l’on peut infliger à quelqu’un." This quote encapsulates the deep emotional and psychological damage inflicted by forced displacement, emphasizing the fundamental human need for belonging and identity tied to one's homeland. Her consistent message serves as a powerful reminder of the dignity and potential of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.
