Tanzania : humanitarian NGOs threatened to close, thousands of Burundian refugees fear forced repatriation

SOS Médias Burundi

Nduta, April 24, 2025 — Burundian refugees living in the Tanzanian camps of Nduta and Nyarugusu, in the Kigoma region of northwest Tanzania, are increasingly worried. During a visit this week, the Tanzanian Permanent Secretary in the ministry of the interior responsible for refugees, Sudi Mwakibasi, announced that the majority of humanitarian organizations operating in the camps will close by September. He urged refugees to return to Burundi to avoid an “imminent humanitarian catastrophe.”

Sudi Mwakibasi is described as a controversial figure with increasingly aggressive rhetoric. The Permanent Secretary, known for his hostile stance toward Burundian refugees, once again proved particularly outspoken. From a dusty field in Zone 5 in Nduta, he painted a grim picture of the future.

“Save the Children has already closed. Its replacement, MTI (Medical Teams International), will follow. The same will be true for IRC* and MSF*. WFP has significantly reduced its assistance, which heralds a gradual withdrawal. And NECTA national examinations will no longer be held in the camps,” he listed, reading from a note that refugees perceived as a sign of a coordinated decision.

None of the NGOs cited publicly reacted or challenged Mwakibasi’s remarks. This silence reinforced fear among the refugees, who saw it as a tacit consensus around an imposed departure.

A UNHCR official, the only humanitarian voice to speak out, confirmed that the aid allocated to returnees—around $200—could be reduced after September. He urged refugees to “take advantage of the opportunity while there is still time,” according to a Burundian witness present.

Goal : 3,000 returns per week

To avoid this “catastrophe,” Mwakibasi called for an acceleration of the repatriation program, stating that strategies are in place to bring back 3,000 refugees per week starting in May. He was accompanied by a Burundian delegation to reinforce this message.

A Burundian woman refugee prepares food for her children in Nduta camp in Tanzania (SOS Médias Burundi)

The Burundian Director General of Repatriation, Nestor Bimenyimana, affirmed that peace now reigns in Burundi and that “nothing should prevent refugees from returning to their country.” But he also issued a warning :

“Anyone who has participated in acts of terrorism, sabotage, public order disturbance, or attempted to overthrow the government will be prosecuted. Justice will do its work.”

A speech deemed intimidating

The delegation also included five former refugees, including Ramadhan, former president of the Nduta camp. During his speech, he declared :

“Do you remember me here? Look how I’ve changed. I’ve already integrated and developed. I’m actively participating in the country’s development projects. Come join me.”

But this speech clearly failed to convince. “Even the drummers refused to beat the drums to applaud,” reported one refugee, a sign of palpable unease.

Opinion leaders called upon to mobilize… under surveillance

To ensure the success of this repatriation campaign, Tanzanian and Burundian authorities are counting on opinion leaders in the camps—teachers, religious leaders, school principals, etc.
“They must get involved. We’ll see how to proceed. And anyone who isn’t receptive or who opposes it will not be tolerated,” declared Sudi Mwakibasi, calling on the camp administration to monitor these influential figures closely.

A call for international help

In Nduta, like in Nyarugusu, fear is rising. Many refugees are urgently appealing to Tanzanian, regional, and international human rights NGOs, as well as the UN. They fear a repatriation that, according to them, would be neither voluntary nor safe.

Tanzania still hosts more than 104,000 Burundian refugees, the vast majority of whom say they do not feel safe returning.

———

Burundian refugees in a meeting with Tanzanian authorities at Nyarugusu camp (SOS Médias Burundi)