As part of the UMUSEKE program, human rights organizations—Ligue Burundaise des Droits de l’Homme Iteka and King Umurundi Freedom—have monitored and documented the humanitarian situation of Congolese refugees who fled the crisis in eastern DRC following the capture of the city of Uvira by AFC-M23 and TWIGWANEHO. The management of a massive movement of refugees, including civilians and members of various armed groups, has complicated the provision of basic services that these refugees should receive from the Government of Burundi and its partners. The distribution of these refugees across different sites, centers, and military camps—particularly the members of armed groups—has raised serious concerns and calls for close monitoring.
Since December 9, 2025, the Busumo site, located on Busumo hill, in Kayongozi zone, Ruyigi commune, Buhumuza province, alone has hosted around seventy thousand Congolese refugees, with more continuing to arrive. Our organizations welcome the commitment of the Government of Burundi and its partners, including ONPRA, UNHCR, the Burundi Red Cross, and SOPRAD-CARITAS Ruyigi, for the initial assistance provided to these Congolese refugees, despite the various challenges that remain.
Indeed, our organizations have observed concerning incidents during transfers from transit centers to the Busumo site and other locations. Some refugees were reportedly forced into vehicles against their will, as they wished to return home. It should be noted that their complaints persist to this day at the Busumo site, where they are currently staying. Alarming behaviors have been reported, including one incident where a police officer was seriously injured, prompting the governor of Buhumuza province to intervene in an effort to restore calm.
In view of this alarming situation, our organizations wish to alert the Government of Burundi and the international community that the ultimatum given by the Government of Burundi is not a solution for individuals claiming their fundamental rights.
This denial of voluntary return is perceived as a blatant violation of the refugee protection principles established by the 1951 Geneva Convention and its 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, as well as other relevant international instruments. Article 1, Section C.1. of the Convention states that protection ceases to apply to a person “if they have voluntarily re-availed themselves of the protection of the country of their nationality.”
The 1951 Geneva Convention, ratified by Burundi, guarantees the right to voluntary return to one’s home country (Article 1) and the freedom of movement (Article 26).
In light of the above, Ligue Iteka and King Umurundi Freedom recommend:
To the Government of Burundi and UNHCR:
• Initiate dialogue between the authorities of both countries to organize the repatriation process for refugees who wish to return home.
• Accelerate procedures to facilitate the voluntary return of all Congolese refugees in compliance with the Geneva Convention, relevant international instruments, and the Constitution of Burundi.
• Continue providing assistance to refugees within its territory, especially to newly arrived Congolese refugees in greater need.
To the technical and financial partners of the Government of Burundi, including the UN, EU, and diplomatic missions accredited in Burundi:
• Support the Government of Burundi and its partners in fulfilling their responsibility to protect and care for these refugees.
• Ensure respect for refugee rights, particularly by enabling a swift and safe solution for those requesting facilitation of voluntary return to their home country.
For the UMUSEKE Program
Anschaire NIKOYAGIZE
President, Ligue Iteka
+256701178261
Vianney NIZIGIYIMANA
President, King Umurundi Freedom
+33 7 58 27 92 94