Burundi: Over 240 returnees from Rwanda and Uganda welcomed in Muyinga

SOS Médias Burundi

Muyinga, 3 December 2025- Since Tuesday, 25 November, 247 Burundians returning from Rwanda and Uganda have been welcomed by the UNHCR Burundi and Burundian authorities.

Among them, 115 crossed the Gasenyi–Nemba border from Rwanda, while 132 arrived via the Burundian-Tanzanian border at Kobero.

All were taken to the Kinazi transit site in Muyinga commune, in Buhumuza province, eastern Burundi.

According to Jules Bigayimpunzi, in charge of repatriation at the Ministry of Interior, Security, and Community Development in the north of the country, each returnee received:

$200, converted into Burundian francs at the BRB (Bank of the Republic of Burundi) rate

$20 for transport to their home hill or village

Food rations covering three months

Medical assistance cards for those aged 18 and above

Since Friday, families have begun being directed to the administrative centers of their respective communes.

“We will do everything to help him rebuild his life”

Japhet, whose brother returned after years in exile, shared:
“My brother was a civil servant in Kirundo before losing his job. His plot of land has been occupied by others. We hope he can regain a dignified life despite these difficulties. We will do everything to help him resettle, even if the situation remains complicated.”

A long journey home for thousands of families

Since 2015, following the decision of the late president Pierre Nkurunziza to seek another controversial term, nearly half a million Burundians fled the country, seeking refuge in Tanzania, the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and other countries in the region.

According to the UNHCR, over 236,000 Burundians had already returned voluntarily between 2017 and February 2024. The process is ongoing, and many families are still awaiting the return of their loved ones.