Tanzania – Nyarugusu refugee camp : catholics protest against their priest following a call for voluntary repatriation

SOS Médias Burundi

Nyarugusu, July 10, 2025 – At the Nyarugusu refugee camp, located in the Kigoma region of northwest Tanzania, near the border with Burundi, anger is brewing among Catholic refugees following a controversial sermon delivered by the local parish priest. In his homily, the priest encouraged the refugees to register for voluntary repatriation, sparking a strong reaction from the faithful, who criticized the prelate for a lack of understanding of their situation and a derogatory tone.

On the last Sunday of June 2025, the parish priest of Nyarugusu delivered a sermon that did not go unnoticed. He openly criticized the refugees who refuse to return home, accusing them of being complacent in their situation in the camp.

“There are men who are a source of shame here: they are those who languish in this camp, queuing to receive two kilograms of flour and a minimal amount of cooking oil, spending days sitting in front of huts instead of going home, eating what they want, and taking control of their lives. You are pathetic,” he declared.

He then urged the refugees to no longer depend on humanitarian aid and to make the “difficult but better” choice of returning voluntarily to their country.

“I advise you to leave everything here, to no longer reach out to those who don’t want you and who don’t have pity on your life. Have the courage to make a difficult but also easy and better decision for your future : to register for voluntary repatriation,” he added.

An immediate and strong reaction

These words deeply shocked the Catholic refugees in the camp. Many left the church before the end of Mass, while others vowed to no longer attend or forgo certain sacraments administered by the same priest.

The discontent quickly reached the diocesan authorities, particularly the Diocese of Kasulu, which is responsible for the parish. Members of the refugee community themselves contacted the diocese, denouncing the priest’s lack of respect and insensitivity.

Intervention by the Diocese and call for reconciliation

Faced with growing tensions, the offending priest was summoned to provide an explanation. At the next Mass, he returned to the camp, accompanied by a special envoy from the diocese, a European priest, tasked with calming the situation.

The latter invited the faithful to forgive “the Lamb of Christ for every lapse,” insisting that everything had been done “for the love of God.” He encouraged the community to return to the church and continue receiving all the sacraments.

However, the priest himself did not apologize, stating that “the truth hurts,” which was not enough to quell the resentment.

Perceived pressure for forced repatriation

For the refugees, this episode is part of a broader policy by Tanzania, which seeks to encourage, or even force, the return of refugees, through various means, including religious ones.

“Tanzania wants to use all channels to show that it no longer wants refugees,” several refugees say.

They call on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the international community to address these alleged violations of their fundamental rights.

Tanzania is currently home to more than 110,000 refugees, including over 50,000 in Nyarugusu refugee camp, located in the Kigoma region, in the northwest of the country, near the border with Burundi.

Nyarugugusu is one of the largest refugee camps in Africa, primarily hosting Congolese fleeing conflict in eastern DRC. Despite the difficulties of camp life, many refugees wish to stay temporarily or permanently, denouncing the precariousness and danger they risk if they return prematurely.