Nduta (Tanzania) : suspicious deaths and rumors of poisoning in the refugee camp

SOS Médias Burundi

Nduta, August 6, 2025 — A climate of fear is taking hold in the Burundian refugee camp of Nduta, in northwest Tanzania, following several suspicious deaths and accusations of poisoning. Since July, persistent rumors have suggested the use of toxic substances targeting some refugees, particularly those opposed to forced repatriation.

Following the first deaths, the rumors quickly gained momentum among the refugees, fueled by a climate of widespread mistrust.

“At first, we thought it was just rumors or superstition. People have even stopped going to certain bars and restaurants. “There were rumors that the Burundian government had changed its tactics to hunt us down,” confided a village chief in the camp.

Last week, at least ten refugees, including teachers and humanitarian NGO volunteers, died after experiencing sudden abdominal pain. They were rushed to the hospital, but died quickly. Medical examinations were unable to determine the precise cause of death.

Arrests after a disturbing incident

The case took a turn on Monday when a refugee from Zone 5 was caught “trying to poison his friend.” It all apparently started with a macabre game : the man allegedly tested a suspicious substance on his goats and chickens, which died within minutes.

Alerted, neighbors denounced the suspect, who, after his arrest, implicated a wider circle of people who possessed the poison. At least five people have since been arrested and placed in police custody.

According to an administration source at the camp, during initial interrogations, the suspects admitted to possessing toxic substances intended to eliminate refugees reluctant to repatriate, jointly organized by Burundi, Tanzania, and the UNHCR.

Suspicions of administrative complicity

Many refugees believe that this case could implicate local camp authorities, or even actors linked to the Burundian authorities. “We suspect collusion to hunt down opponents,” accuses a refugee activist.

The camp’s occupants demand justice and are calling for independent investigations and public hearings to clarify responsibilities.

A camp at the heart of tensions

The Nduta camp, which hosts more than 58,000 Burundian refugees, is known for harboring political opponents and groups opposed to voluntary repatriation. In recent months, the Tanzanian pressure to accelerate forced returns to Burundi has fueled mistrust and exacerbated tensions.

This alleged poisoning case has rekindled fears of a climate of repression targeting dissenting voices in this camp, which is already under heavy surveillance.