Nyarugusu (Tanzania) : over 50 nurses and medical workers suspended

SOS Médias Burundi

Nyarugusu, October 14, 2025 — The health sector in the Nyarugusu refugee camp, located in northwest Tanzania, is deteriorating dangerously. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partner Medical Team International (MTI) have just suspended the contracts of more than 50 nurses and other medical workers working in the part of the camp occupied by Burundian refugees.

According to several internal sources, the affected people are mainly Burundians and Congolese, while only about ten Tanzanian workers have been retained in the health facilities in zones 8 and 10. These workers must now care for more than 50,000 Burundian refugees, a task that several witnesses describe as nearly impossible.

Refugees denounce disguised pressure to return

For many Burundian refugees, this wave of suspensions is seen as a new strategy to force them to return.

“First, they closed three health centers since the beginning of the year, then they fired the remaining nurses. And now we’re told there are no more medicines in stock,” laments a community leader in the camp.

“If we go to the Congolese area for treatment, there’s no such problem. The camp is becoming unbearable, especially for the sick.”

Among the suspended staff are also volunteers and community outreach workers, who played a vital role in epidemic prevention, hygiene promotion, and monitoring patients with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and hypertension.

“It’s a shame that all these vulnerable people are now left to fend for themselves,” laments the same source.

A two-speed ​​measure

According to several reports, the dismissed Congolese were informed that they could work in the medical facilities located in the part of the camp occupied by their compatriots, while the Burundians saw no prospects.

“For Burundians, there are no more job opportunities here. And even if they return home, there’s nothing waiting for them,” explains a Burundian refugee.

This decision, which comes amid increased pressure on Burundian refugees to accept voluntary repatriation, raises serious concerns.

“This is a strong signal that the Nyarugusu camp, historically reluctant to accept forced return, is now in the crosshairs,” says another refugee.

Calls for respect for refugees’ rights

Burundian refugees are calling on the Tanzanian government to respect international agreements and conventions on refugees’ protection, including the fundamental right to health.

They also call on the UNHCR, reminding it of its role as guarantor of the protection and dignity of displaced populations :

“The UNHCR should defend our right to health instead of falling into the trap of the Burundian and Tanzanian governments, who want to bully us into returning,” insists a refugee contacted by SOS Médias Burundi.