Many Burundian returnees are reportedly experiencing fear and intimidation upon their return, particularly concerning the restitution of their land. Numerous individuals claim they live in apprehension of finding their properties occupied, facing intimidation tactics, or being subjected to politically motivated accusations when attempting to reclaim their assets. De nombreux rapatriés affirment vivre dans la peur de retrouver leurs terres occupées, de subir des intimidations ou de faire face à des accusations politiques lorsqu’ils tentent de reprendre possession de leurs biens. This situation reportedly hinders their reintegration and poses significant challenges to re-establishing their lives in Burundi after years of exile.
Nouveaux défis pour les rapatriés
Some Burundian returnees who attempt to reclaim their properties reportedly face threats, repeated summons, or accusations linked to the 2015 political crisis. Certains rapatriés qui réclament leurs propriétés seraient confrontés à des menaces, à des convocations répétées ou à des accusations liées à la crise politique de 2015. That crisis, triggered by the controversial third term of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza, led to the exile of nearly half a million Burundians. This crisis, which pushed nearly half a million Burundians into exile, has left a lasting impact on the country. Such challenges complicate their efforts to re-establish themselves within their communities.
A significant portion of refugees returning from Tanzania is not settling back in their communes or provinces of origin. Une partie importante des réfugiés revenus de la Tanzanie ne retourne pas dans ses communes ou provinces d’origine. This trend indicates a reluctance or inability among some repatriated individuals to return to their former homes, potentially due to ongoing security concerns, land disputes, or other socio-economic factors in those regions. The decision to avoid their original communities notes the persistent difficulties and potential dangers they perceive in those areas.
Accusations contre les autorités locales
Several repatriated Burundians accuse certain local administrative officials, influential cadres of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, and agents of the National Intelligence Service (SNR) of exploiting their exile to appropriate their land or obstruct its restitution. Plusieurs rapatriés accusent certains responsables administratifs locaux, des cadres influents du parti au pouvoir, le CNDD-FDD, ainsi que des agents du Service national de renseignement (SNR) d’avoir profité de leur exil pour s’approprier des biens fonciers ou empêcher leur restitution. These allegations suggest a systemic issue where individuals in positions of power have allegedly benefited from the absence of exiles, making it difficult for returnees to reclaim their properties upon their return to Burundi. This situation reportedly contributes to the ongoing challenges faced by those attempting to reintegrate into their communities and recover their ancestral lands. The involvement of these local networks, including administrative officials and influential party members, creates a formidable barrier for returnees seeking justice and restoration of their property rights.
Contexte du rapatriement forcé
The Nduta camp, which previously housed over 76,000 refugees, definitively closed on April 30, following an agreement between the Burundian and Tanzanian governments and the UNHCR. Le camp de Nduta, qui comptait plus de 76 000 réfugiés il y a quelques années, a été définitivement fermé le 30 avril dernier, à la suite d’un accord entre les gouvernements burundais et tanzanien ainsi que le HCR. The Nyarugusu camp, still home to approximately 22,000 Burundian refugees and over 88,000 Congolese refugees, is scheduled to close for its Burundian population by the end of July. Le camp de Nyarugusu, qui abrite encore environ 22 000 réfugiés burundais ainsi que plus de 88 000 réfugiés congolais, devrait fermer d’ici fin juillet, du moins pour la population burundaise. Several human rights and refugee organizations continue to criticize the repatriation process, characterizing it as forced. Plusieurs organisations de défense des droits humains et des réfugiés continuent de dénoncer un processus de rapatriement qu’elles qualifient de forcé, estimant qu’il serait contraire aux dispositions de la Convention de Genève de 1951 relative au statut des réfugiés. They argue that this process contravenes the provisions of the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, raising concerns about the voluntariness of returns. The closure of these camps and the conditions surrounding the returns have generated significant debate among international bodies and advocacy groups.
La peur de l'avenir
Many repatriated Burundians are choosing to settle in border communes such as Nyanza, Makamba, Giharo, or in certain areas of Musongati in Burunga province, located in the country's south and bordering Tanzania. Beaucoup choisissent plutôt de s’installer dans les communes frontalières de Nyanza, Makamba, Giharo ou encore dans certaines localités de Musongati dans la province de Burunga, au sud du pays, frontalière avec la Tanzanie. This settlement pattern suggests a preference for areas away from their original homes. This choice reflects a deep-seated apprehension among returnees regarding the conditions in their home provinces, where they fear facing intimidation, property disputes, or politically motivated accusations. The proximity to the Tanzanian border may also offer a sense of security or the possibility of seeking refuge again if circumstances deteriorate.
