Tanzania’s forced repatriation of Burundian refugees tests the promise of safe and voluntary return — Opinion

A large percentage of these refugees arrived during the period of civil unrest in Burundi as the then-president, Pierre Nkurunziza, sought a controversial third term.

Not long after they had settled in Tanzania, the late president John Pombe Magufuli came to power with a nationalistic “Tanzania first” approach, translating to a shift in the country’s humanitarian policy. His government ceased supporting refugee programmes, and some Burundian refugees were allegedly abducted, tortured and forcefully repatriated. 

In the aftermath of Magufuli’s presidency, the situation was exacerbated by funding cuts that led to significant reductions in food rations, putting refugees at the risk of malnutrition and vulnerability to disease.

Towards the end of 2025, the Tanzanian government announced plans to close Nduta and Nyarugusu refugee camps in March and June 2026, respectively, and in coordination with the UNHCR, intensified its effort to voluntarily repatriate about 142,000 Burundians to their country.

Thousands have been repatriated through this programme, however there are concerns that refugee shelters are being demolished and the process is rather coercive. This may expose refugees to harm, especially those who allegedly fled Burundi because of political persecution. Yet the international refugee law requires that refugees and asylum-seekers must not be returned to a place where their lives or freedom would be at risk.

“Burundian refugees remain in a desperate situation. They are too scared to return home, but are unsafe – without adequate food, shelter, or protection – in a country that purportedly provides them with asylum,” some analysts observe, emphasising the need for adequate preparation and political will.

This is reiterated by UNHCR’s  Bahia Egeh, who urges that repatriation “be carried out in safety and dignity, and based on free and informed choice rather than pressure.”

Although voluntary repatriation is a UN-established measure, it is susceptible to conflicts between returnees and their communities back home. This often leads to renewed forced displacement, with more devastating consequences.

There are lessons to draw from Uganda’s progressive policy. The country has achieved considerable success in repatriation, particularly of South Sudanese refugees, owing to a strong focus on inclusivity. The decision-making and implementation processes are designed to ensure all key stakeholders – government at different levels, non-governmental organisations, development partners, refugee communities, among others – are involved.

Additionally, specific programmes are put in place to offer information and sensitise both the returnees and the communities back home, to create social, economic and cultural conditions that foster cohesion. For instance, the Ugandan government, in collaboration with UNHCR and the South Sudanese government, supports refugees to visit their home country in order to assess the situation first-hand before deciding to move. This is vital in the repatriation process, as it allows the returnees to make informed decisions and to actively participate in the policy-making process.

On top of this, the returnees are provided with reintegration support in the form of cash allowances, healthcare screening and tools to support their food security, to enable them adapt quickly. These steps could be adopted by Tanzania to offer Burundian refugees and asylum seekers better treatment and more protection.