Photo of the week : suspicious deaths and rumors of poisoning in the Nduta refugee camp

A climate of fear has taken hold in the Burundian refugee camp of Nduta, in northwest Tanzania, following several suspicious deaths and accusations of poisoning. Since July, rumors have circulated about the use of toxic substances targeting some refugees, particularly those opposed to forced repatriation.

Faced with the first deaths, mistrust quickly set in among the refugees. “At first, we thought it was rumors or superstition. People banned us from visiting certain bars and restaurants. There were whispers that the Burundian government had changed its tactics to hunt us down,” confided a village chief in the camp.

At the end of July, at least ten refugees, including teachers and NGO volunteers, died after suffering sudden abdominal pain. They were rushed to hospital, but died quickly. Medical examinations were unable to precisely identify the cause of death.

Arrests after a disturbing incident

On August 4, a refugee from Zone 5 was caught attempting to poison a friend. According to witnesses, he tested a suspicious substance on his goats and chickens, which died within minutes. Alerted, neighbors reported him. After his arrest, he reportedly revealed the existence of a larger network of poisoners. Five people have since been arrested and detained.

According to an administrative source, the suspects admitted to possessing toxic products intended to eliminate refugees reluctant to repatriate, organized by Burundi, Tanzania, and the UNHCR.

Suspicions of administrative complicity

Many refugees suspect collusion with local authorities, or even with actors linked to the Burundian government. “We suspect complicity in the persecution of opponents,” denounces a refugee activist.

The camp’s occupants are demanding justice, calling for independent investigations and public hearings to shed light on this case.

A camp at the heart of tensions

The Nduta camp, which hosts more than 58,000 Burundian refugees, is known for hosting political opponents and groups opposed to voluntary repatriation. In recent months, the Tanzanian pressure to accelerate forced returns has reinforced mistrust and exacerbated tensions.

This alleged poisoning case revives fears of targeted repression of dissenting voices in this heavily guarded camp.

Our photo : A Burundian refugee prepares food for her children in the Nduta camp, Tanzania (SOS Médias Burundi)