The Tanzanian government has rejected allegations that Burundian refugees are being forced to return to their home country, insisting that all repatriations are voluntary and conducted in line with international agreements.
Officials at refugee camps in western Tanzania dismissed claims that refugees are being denied essential services such as food to pressure them into leaving. Novatus Mpanda, assistant coordinator at the Refugee Services Department in the western zone, said the accusations are unfounded.
“These are just allegations and have no truth at all,” Mpanda said during a briefing at Nyarugusu camp on March 18, 2026. “Food services have not been stopped. The World Food Programme continues to provide food assistance in the camps.”
Tanzania, in collaboration with the Burundian government, has been implementing a repatriation programme following reports of improved security in Burundi. Authorities say thousands of refugees have already returned home since the start of the year.
At Nyarugusu camp, camp commander Siasa Manjenje reported that approximately 47,000 Burundian refugees were registered in January. Since then, about 22,590 have been repatriated.
Similarly, Samweli Kuyi, head of Nduta refugee camp, said more than 30,000 refugees have returned within two months. As of mid-March, about 19,014 refugees remained in the camp.
Overall, more than 37,000 Burundian refugees returned home in January and February 2026 alone. The current weekly return rate exceeds 8,000 people, more than double the agreed ceiling of 3,000 per week under a revised tripartite agreement signed in November 2025.
Since the repatriation programme began in 2017, more than 284,000 Burundian refugees have been assisted to return home, including nearly 200,000 from Tanzania.
Authorities in Tanzania have announced plans to close Nduta camp by March 31, 2026, while Nyarugusu camp is expected to shut down in June.
Some refugees say conditions in the camps have deteriorated, influencing their decision to return. “Schools have closed, hospitals are shut, and there are no services,” said Kwizera George, a refugee at Nduta.
Others cite family decisions and concerns about children’s futures. “We sat down as a family and agreed to return home because there is no progress for children in the camp,” said Christine Mibuye.
Despite concerns, officials maintain that all returns are voluntary and part of a broader effort to support refugees in rebuilding their lives in Burundi.
