Nyarugusu and Nduta (Tanzania) : Burundian families left homeless

SOS Médias Burundi

Nyarugusu/Nduta, Tanzania, February 12, 2026 – The demolition of shelters for Burundian refugees is intensifying in camps in northwestern Tanzania, leaving many families without shelters and exposed to dire living conditions. The refugees denounce a practice that endangers their lives, safety, and health.

In Nyarugusu, a family of 13 had their house, located in Zone 8, Village 4, Plot 2.5, razed at dawn on Wednesday.

“They didn’t even wait for us to wake up,” testifies the head of the family, still in shock. Around him, neighbors live in fear of being next.

Similar scenes are being reported in Nduta, where refugees speak of serious human rights violations and call on the international community to intervene to stop the destruction. Many also denounce forced registration, carried out without free and informed consent.

“This is a way of depriving refugees of their rights to life, education, medical care, freedom of expression, and development, while exposing them to cruelty, psychological abuse, and even death,” they explain.

A registration order had been posted for all refugees, as the authorities wanted to force them to return to Burundi, claiming that the country was now peaceful and that they no longer needed to remain in Tanzania. However, government representatives have reportedly changed tactics.

“They arrive in the evening and announce : ‘The next day, we will come to demolish. Prepare to move your belongings!’ When they see that you haven’t moved them, it’s your fault!” “It’s a truly terrible situation,” say residents of the Nduta camp.

The refugees assert that these are not voluntary returns, but forced demolitions. Many families are now sleeping outdoors, exposed to the rain and cold.

“Children are sleeping outside in the cold, while it rains day and night. The population is suffering, and deaths are occurring due to the restrictions imposed by the government,” they worry.

They explain that they refuse to register for voluntary returns, as they still do not feel safe in Burundi. “This time, we see that we are being persecuted to return. Yet, the reasons that drove us to flee remain, and some of those who returned have been killed, imprisoned, or have fled to other regions here in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, or Malawi,” add refugees who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi.

They are imploring the Tanzanian government and the United Nations to protect them from this life of misery, disease, and psychological distress.

The destruction in the Nduta and Nyarugusu camps, which began last January, has already affected more than 20,000 people. These operations are also impacting hospitals, health centers, and schools. Tanzanian authorities have announced that after March 31, more than 110,000 Burundian refugees will no longer be allowed to remain in Tanzania.