The Nduta refugee camp in northwestern Tanzania, located in the Kibondo district, Kigoma region, ceased operations on Thursday, April 30. The camp officially closed following the departure of the final convoy of Burundian refugees, which left Nduta camp early Thursday morning around 6 AM. This significant event marks the end of a long-standing refugee settlement in the region. Tanzanian Minister of Interior Patrobas Katambi conducted the official closure, showing the government's direct involvement in the process. The camp's shutdown is part of a tripartite agreement between Tanzania, Burundi, and the UNHCR, designed to facilitate voluntary repatriation. This agreement outlines the framework for the return of Burundian refugees to their home country. The Tanzanian government has described the initiative as a "major success in managing challenges related to the presence of refugees," noting its perspective on the outcome of the repatriation efforts. The closure of Nduta camp means it is no longer functional as of Thursday, April 30, with all services and facilities having been dismantled or relocated.
Mass Repatriation and Transfers Spur Concerns
The period leading up to the closure saw a significant movement of people. Nearly 15,000 Burundian refugees were reportedly repatriated in the three days since the previous Monday, indicating a rapid acceleration of returns as the closure approached. Concurrently, approximately 198 families previously residing at Nduta camp were transferred to Nyarugusu camp. This transfer was carried out to ensure their continued 'international protection', according to official statements. The decision to transfer these families, rather than repatriate them, suggests a recognition of specific vulnerability or protection needs for this particular group.
The individuals transferred to Nyarugusu are currently housed in a transit center. Their relocation to this facility is temporary, as they await resettlement within the Congolese section of the camp. This arrangement is necessary because the Burundian section of Nyarugusu camp is presently undergoing demolition, making it unsuitable for accommodating new arrivals. This move forms part of a broader repatriation plan, signaling a systematic approach to winding down refugee camps in Tanzania. The full repatriation strategy mandates the return of all remaining Burundian refugees from Nyarugusu camp. This process is slated for completion by June 30, 2026, setting a clear deadline for the full implementation of the repatriation program. The dismantling of infrastructure in both Nduta and Nyarugusu camps points to a determined effort to conclude the chapter of Burundian refugee hosting in Tanzania.
Allegations of Rights Violations and Coercion
Despite official assurances, the selection process for transfers was denounced as opaque by refugees and human rights organizations. These groups have raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency in determining who qualified for transfer and who was designated for repatriation. Allegations of corruption and manipulation of lists are circulating, with individuals reportedly close to the Burundian government included among those allowed to stay in Tanzania, while others with legitimate protection claims were allegedly overlooked. These claims suggest that the process may not have been fair or based solely on humanitarian criteria.
Further compounding these concerns is the alleged involvement of the Sungusungu militia. This militia, composed of Burundian refugees, is allegedly involved in monitoring, intimidating, and harassing other refugees within the camps. Reports indicate that this militia maintains close ties to Tanzanian and Burundian authorities, raising fears that their activities are sanctioned or at least tolerated by official bodies. Such an environment creates a climate of fear and pressure, potentially influencing refugees' decisions about repatriation.
The risks associated with repatriation are starkly illustrated by recent events. Several refugees were intercepted in the past two weeks while attempting to flee to countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, or Rwanda. These desperate attempts to seek asylum elsewhere highlight the profound fear many refugees harbor regarding returning to Burundi. Those intercepted were reportedly sent back to Burundi without further registration procedures, bypassing due process and potentially exposing them to significant dangers. Burundian human rights organizations report cases of persecution, arbitrary arrests, and forced disappearances targeting refugees upon their return to Burundi. These reports paint a grim picture of the realities faced by returnees. Returning refugees are reportedly closely monitored and targeted by the Imbonerakure, the youth league of Burundi's ruling party, known for its aggressive tactics and political intimidation. Some returnees have reportedly fled the country again, unable to find safety or peace, while others live in constant fear of arrest or disappearance within Burundi, illustrating the ongoing instability and human rights challenges in their home country.
Protection Concerns and UNHCR's Contested Role
Nyarugusu camp currently hosts approximately 22,000 Burundian refugees, who reportedly fear facing the same fate as Nduta camp. This widespread apprehension among refugees shows a deep-seated mistrust in the repatriation process and concerns about their safety. Human rights organizations have expressed concerns that mass repatriations, occurring within the current pre-election context in Burundi, could transform individuals requiring international protection into political targets. They argue that the political climate in Burundi makes it particularly dangerous for returnees who might be perceived as opposition or disloyal.
Critics accuse the UNHCR of failing in its protection mission and of employing coercive measures, including the demolition of camp structures. These demolitions, such as those seen in the Burundian section of Nyarugusu camp, are viewed by some as tactics to pressure refugees into returning, rather than a neutral administrative process. The closure of refugee camps, human rights groups state, presents a serious and immediate risk of forced repatriations. This risk is particularly acute when the closures are perceived as being carried out without adequate consideration for individual protection needs and asylum claims. Such actions, if they lead to involuntary returns, would violate the principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of international refugee law. This principle strictly prohibits returning individuals to a country where they would face persecution or threats to their life or freedom. The allegations against UNHCR and the concerns raised by human rights organizations highlight a critical tension between the goal of voluntary repatriation and the imperative to ensure the safety and rights of refugees.
