The Government of Burundi, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has announced a voluntary repatriation programme for thousands of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The initiative announced on Tuesday, April 21, is set to begin on Thursday, April 23 and it is framed as part of broader regional efforts to deliver durable solutions for displaced populations, even as security conditions remain fragile in eastern Congo.
Authorities emphasised that participation will be entirely voluntary, with refugees required to complete administrative procedures at designated centres, including arrangements for family reunification.
The move comes against the backdrop of dwindling humanitarian resources. The Busuma refugee site, hosting around 66,000 Congolese refugees since late 2025, has faced acute shortages of water, food, medicine and shelter.
Initial returns will focus on selected territories in South Kivu province, including Uvira, Fizi and the Ruzizi plain. Special consideration will be given to vulnerable groups, including schoolchildren and individuals with specific needs.
Burundi currently hosts over 230,000 refugees, mostly from Congo. However, UNHCR reports that only 20 per cent of the 35 million US dollars required for refugee assistance in 2026 had been secured by late February, underscoring the financial strain on humanitarian operations.