Burundi : after nearly three years of waiting, Congolese refugees regain a single status

Hundreds of Congolese refugees living in Burundi have finally seen their administrative situation regularized, after years of stalemate caused by double registration in several countries. UNHCR-Burundi conducted a major clarification operation, resulting in the closure of multiple statuses and a single official recognition in Burundi.

Bujumbura, April 15, 2025 – After nearly three years of uncertainty, many Congolese refugees living in Burundi have regained a stable administrative situation. They were among those who, for various reasons, had acquired dual refugee status in other countries, a situation that compromised their access to essential rights, including resettlement.

UNHCR-Burundi, through its protection service, conducted individual interviews to better understand circumstances that led to these multiple registrations. Cases were then forwarded to the organization’s headquarters in Geneva for a final decision. As a result, refugees were “pardoned,” and any other statuses they held in third countries were formally terminated.

Complex context

The majority of these cases date back to the 2015 political crisis in Burundi, which prompted some Congolese refugees to flee once again, fearing for their safety. Other cases are linked to frequent displacement, health reasons, or unions with other refugees with recognized status in neighboring countries or in the subregion, such as Kenya, Uganda, or the DRC.

In addition to legal difficulties, these situations have frozen many resettlement processes, preventing concerned refugees from benefiting from departure to third countries, often for humanitarian or medical reasons.

Testimonies from affected refugees

Joseph, a Congolese refugee who arrived in Burundi in 2012, recounts :

“In 2015, I fled Burundi because of the crisis. I obtained a different status. Upon my return, my resettlement process was suspended. Today, thanks to the UNHCR, my situation is resolved.”

Marie had temporarily moved to Kenya before returning to Burundi :

“My dual status blocked the resettlement of my entire family. We saw other families leave without us. Now that the problem is resolved, we hope to be eligible again.”

Thomas, suffering from health problems, also fled discreetly to seek treatment abroad:

“My unauthorized departure resulted in a double registration. Fortunately, the UNHCR’s pardon allowed me to regain stable status.” »

A new beginning

According to the UNHCR, this process aims to rebuild trust and guarantee refugees equitable access to protection and opportunities, without prejudice to mistakes or decisions made under duress.

Burundi currently hosts more than 120,000 refugees.
While the majority are of Congolese origin, others come from Rwanda or other countries in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

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New Congolese refugees welcomed into a refugee site in southeastern Burundi, April 2025 (SOS Médias Burundi)