Burundi starts voluntary repatriation of DR Congo refugees

The Burundian government, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), kicked off a voluntary repatriation program for thousands of refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo currently living in Burundi.

The initiative represents a key step in regional efforts to find durable solutions for displaced populations, even as security conditions in eastern DR Congo remain fragile. It comes as humanitarian organizations face a widening gap between growing needs and severely limited resources. 

In late February, the UNHCR highlighted acute shortages at the Busuma refugee site, which hosts roughly 66,000 Congolese refugees who arrived since late 2025 including critical deficits in clean water, food, medicine, shelter, and protection services. Burundian authorities have stressed that no one will be forced to return. 

Refugees wishing to go back to the DR Congo are encouraged to register at designated departure centers to complete administrative procedures, including support for family reunification.

Special attention will be given to households with school-aged children, individuals with specific needs, and public officials.

In the initial phase, returns will be directed to selected areas in South Kivu province, including Uvira, the Uvira-Baraka axis, Fizi territory, Mboko, and the Ruzizi plain.

Burundian officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the security, protection, and fundamental rights of refugees who choose to remain in the country. Humanitarian assistance at reception sites will continue to be provided in the meantime.

Burundi currently hosts more than 230,000 refugees, the vast majority from the DRC.

As of late February, only 20 percent of the $35 million required for lifesaving assistance to refugees in Burundi this year had been received, according to the UNHCR.

The program aims to balance respect for voluntary return with the challenging realities of overcrowded camps and dwindling international support in a region still grappling with conflict and displacement.

(With input from wires)