Camps razed, rights violated : the alarming poverty of Burundian refugees in Tanzania

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, March 24, 2026 — The situation of Burundian refugees in Tanzania is causing grave concern. In a joint statement recently published, several human rights organizations are raising the alarm about a deterioration deemed “alarming” in living and security conditions in the Nduta and Nyarugusu camps.

The statement establishes a direct link between this situation and the ongoing human rights crisis in the small east African nation. The authors assert that many Burundians continue to flee political persecution, arbitrary arrests, and threats against real or perceived opponents.

Abductions and intimidation in the camps

The document highlights a series of disturbing abuses. In April 2025, five Burundian refugees were abducted from the Nduta camp by unidentified men in civilian clothes, using a modus operandi similar to other documented cases. According to the signatories, these incidents illustrate a growing trend of targeted abductions.

Beyond these cases, refugees reportedly face constant intimidation and pressure to return to Burundi. The organizations denounce the increasing influence of Burundian authorities within the camps located in Tanzania, in violation of international principles for refugee protection.

Camps demolished, thousands homeless

The humanitarian situation has worsened further with a large-scale operation to demolish shelters. Between December 31, 2025, and February 10, 2026, several areas within the camps were destroyed.

In Nduta, 13 out of 17 zones have been razed, representing nearly 85% of the homes, while in Nyarugusu, only 6 out of 18 zones remain intact. Thousands of refugees are now homeless, exposed to the elements, the cold, and disease, without adequate emergency resettlement measures.

According to Tanzanian authorities, the Nduta camp is scheduled to close at the end of March, while the Nyarugusu camp is slated to close in June 2026, further increasing the refugees’ concerns.

Reduced access to healthcare and education

Essential services are also severely affected. Two hospitals have closed in the Nyarugusu camp. In Nduta, six out of nine primary schools have ceased operations, leaving only one secondary school functioning.

These closures affect thousands of refugee children and jeopardize access to healthcare for an already vulnerable population.

Forced repatriations and risks upon return

The statement also accuses Tanzanian authorities of carrying out forced repatriations, in violation of the international principle of non-refoulement. Although the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has occasionally denounced certain cases, the practices observed on the ground indirectly facilitate these forced returns.

According to several cited reports, Burundian refugees returning to their country are subject to serious violations of their fundamental rights, including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and prolonged detention without trial.

Urgent appeals to Tanzania and the international community

In light of this situation, the signatory organizations call on the Tanzanian authorities to end intimidation and forced repatriations, guarantee the safety of refugees, and ensure their access to essential services such as housing, education, and healthcare.

They also urge a strengthening of the UNHCR’s role to guarantee effective protection for Burundian refugees, as well as increased mobilization of the international community to uphold the principle of non-refoulement.

In a context where returns are officially encouraged, they insist that all repatriation must be strictly voluntary, safe, and dignified. This requirement, they argue, is far from being met in Tanzanian camps.

Tanzania still hosts more than 100,000 Burundian refugees, whose future remains more uncertain than ever. The majority of them fled the 2015 crisis triggered by the controversial third term of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza.