— As Tanzania joined the world in marking World Refugee Day, key refugee officials have emphasized the importance of seizing the current opportunity for voluntary repatriation, citing declining support from aid agencies and growing stability in Burundi.
Speaking at Nduta Refugee Camp, the Camp Commander, Samwel Kuyi, applauded the resilience and participation of refugees in the day’s events despite limited resources. “Unlike previous years where we marked this day with new clothes and support, today we come together humbly but united,” he said.
He acknowledged the growing urgency for refugees to make informed decisions about their future, particularly as several major humanitarian agencies plan to scale down operations by year-end.
Henok Ochalla, Head of the UNHCR Field Office in Kibondo, reinforced this message, highlighting Tanzania’s long-standing hospitality. “Tanzania is the only country in Africa that has naturalized over 162,000 Burundian refugees since 1972. This generosity is extraordinary,” he noted.
Ochalla reported that over 180,000 Burundian refugees have voluntarily returned home since 2017, and a new phase of promotional voluntary repatriation launched in 2024 is ongoing.
While a protection and solution-based assessment was set to conclude today, he confirmed that the process would extend into next week to accommodate remaining cases. “Once complete, the findings will guide further decisions by both governments and UNHCR,” he said.
He encouraged refugees to consider return now, sharing that during his own visit to Burundi late last year, he travelled unescorted across multiple provinces—a sign, he said, of the country’s growing safety.
“Had Burundi been unsafe, UNHCR would not have allowed us to travel without police escort,” he added.
The event brought together key humanitarian partners including UNHCR, MSF, World Vision, WFP, NRC, IRC, MTI, and DRC.
Both officials stressed that with time running out and support shrinking, now is the moment for refugees to act and pursue safe, dignified solutions for their future—especially voluntary return, where feasible.
