Burundi plans to begin the repatriation of 200,000 of its refuges who fled to neighbouring Tanzania to escape the violence that rocked the country since 2015.

More than 400,000 Burundians fled their country to Tanzania, Rwanda and the Democratic R|epublic of Congo after the violence that rocked the country.

The violence was sparked by political disagreements caused by a declaration by President Pierre Nkurunziza that he would seek a third term in office, one which he went on to win in July 2015.

Burundi and Tanzania reached an agreement over the weekend that will see the former begin repatriating its citizens starting 1 October, according to the Interior Minister in Bujumbura, Pascal Barandagiye.

Both sides say Burundi is peaceful now and safe for a return of the refugees.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Burundian refugees who want to return to their country should do so voluntarily.

The agency said in a statement that around 75,000 Burundians had returned home in the past two years, adding: “We are assisting refugees who indicate they have made a free and informed choice to voluntarily return.”

The East African country is set to hold its presidential election next year. President Nkurunziza announced in June 2018 that he would not be seeking another mandate.