Musenyi : Congolese refugees forced to return to conflict zones, driven by precariousness

SOS Médias Burundi

Musenyi, May 28, 2025 – In recent days, some Congolese refugees have begun leaving the Musenyi site in southeastern Burundi to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These returns are taking place towards the territories of Fizi and Uvira, despite the armed violence that continues there.

This is a desperate choice in the face of untenable living conditions.

Refugees say they can no longer bear the precariousness : lack of decent shelter, limited access to medical care, and reduced food aid.

“My brother preferred to return to Fizi, despite the fighting there. He said he no longer saw the point in staying here, where life is even harder,” says Floribert, a refugee at the site. “He made this decision in early May. For him, living conditions are more difficult here than back home.”

Mahuno’s case illustrates the despair of many. Arriving in Musenyi in March with his ailing father, he says :

“My father suffered a lot. He never received treatment. He died three weeks later. I decided to return to Sange in April. I have nothing left to lose.”

Overwhelmed humanitarian resources

Despite the presence of a few humanitarian organizations, reception facilities are overwhelmed.

“There is a desire to help, it’s true, but the resources aren’t sufficient. There is still a long way to go before the refugees’ needs are met,” says a humanitarian worker, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Musenyi site, designed to host 10,000 people, currently hosts more than 20,000, according to local sources.

An explosive regional context

Since the beginning of the year, fighting between the M23 rebels, who now control the provincial capitals of North and South Kivu, a region rich in minerals, the FARDC (the Congolese army), the Wazalendo militias supported by the Congolese authorities, and the Burundian military, has forced thousands of Congolese to flee their country. Reports from human rights defenders indicate serious violations committed by armed groups, particularly in South Kivu.

Burundi currently hosts more than 70,000 Congolese refugees. While some have been settled in official camps or at the Musenyi site, others prefer to remain at the border, hoping to quickly return to their villages if the security situation improves.