Lusenda : the UNHCR repatriates 171 Burundian refugees to their country of origin

SOS Médias Burundi

Fizi, July 23, 2026 – A total of 171 Burundian refugees living in the Lusenda camp, located in the Fizi territory of South Kivu, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), were repatriated to Burundi on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, as part of a voluntary return operation organized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The refugees left the Lusenda camp before crossing the border at Kavimvira, in the Uvira territory, heading towards the Gihanga transit center in Bujumbura province, Burundi, where they will be received before returning to their home villages.

The majority of those repatriated are from Cibitoke province, a border region in northwestern Burundi. They expressed their relief at being able to return home after several years in exile.

Many of them stated that living conditions in the Lusenda camp had deteriorated significantly in recent months, particularly due to the ongoing insecurity in the Fizi territory and the reduction in humanitarian aid.

“We are happy to be going home. We haven’t received any food for over a year. Life in the camp has become very difficult,” said one of the repatriated refugees.

Some parents also explained that their decision to return to Burundi was linked to the difficulties they faced in their children’s schooling. They cited, in particular, the frequent disruptions to classes due to teachers’ strikes, as the teachers demanded payment of their salaries.

For several years, the Lusenda camp has hosted thousands of Burundian refugees who have fled the political and security crises in their country. Difficulties related to humanitarian funding and insecurity in eastern DRC have led some of them to opt for voluntary return.