Ruyigi : illegal barriers hinder refugees’ freedom of movement

SOS Médias Burundi

Ruyigi, June 26, 2025 — Members of the youth league of the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) party, the Imbonerakure, are setting up roadblocks targeting refugees in the Nyankanda and Bwagiriza camps, demanding money to let them pass.

In the districts of Butezi and Bweru, located in Ruyigi province, eastern Burundi, refugees are facing a worrying situation. Three unofficial barriers, set up by young CNDD-FDD activists, are disrupting the lives of refugees living in the Bwagiriza and Nyankanda camps.

These roadblocks are located in the Kwisumo and Nyakayi villages (Butezi district), as well as in Kayongozi (Bweru district) approximately 8 kilometers from Nyankanda camp. They primarily target refugees going to local markets, particularly those in Ruyigi and Kayongozi, to purchase basic necessities.

However, without an exit ticket issued by the camp administration, these refugees are forced to pay to cross.

Damning testimonies

Éméline, a refugee from the Nyankanda camp, recounts her ordeal :
“I went to the Kayongozi market to get my phone repaired. When I arrived at the Kayongozi barrier, three young Imbonerakure I met asked me for my exit ticket. I didn’t have it. It wasn’t a day of deliverance. Since I didn’t have it, they asked me for 2,000 Burundi francs. Without that money, I couldn’t continue.”

This informal system of illegal taxation constitutes a serious obstacle to the freedom of movement of refugees, which is guaranteed by national laws and international conventions.

Ernest, a refugee in the Bwagiriza camp, describes efforts that have gone unanswered :
“We have made extensive representations to the UNHCR and the National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (ONPRA). We asked them to intervene to have these barriers removed. But so far, nothing has been done. These young people continue to extort money from us every week.”

Growing concern

Refugees fear that these practices will become widespread and entrenched in the absence of action by local authorities. Many now prefer to remain in the camps, fearing humiliation or further extortion.

The persistence of these barriers constitutes a flagrant violation of refugees’ rights and increases their vulnerability.

It should be noted that the Bwagiriza and Nyankanda camps host more than 20,000 Congolese refugees.

The Imbonerakure, a role recognized by the authorities

It is important to note that the Imbonerakure participate throughout the country in night patrols alongside the police and in border security alongside the army, a role officially recognized and praised by the Burundian authorities. President Évariste Ndayishimiye himself has repeatedly encouraged the Imbonerakure to increase their vigilance in protecting the country.