Burundi: Congolese refugees risk dangerous journeys after being blocked from returning home

By The Inspirer Writer.

Bujumbura, Burundi – Thousands of Congolese refugees who fled fighting in South Kivu are attempting to return home via illegal and perilous routes after the Burundian government blocked their repatriation.

According to Al Jazeera, thousands of Congolese refugees in Burundi are living in dire conditions, facing hunger, disease, cholera outbreaks, and floods during the rainy season, with limited access to food, clean water, and healthcare.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports that over 101,000 Congolese fled the Ruzizi Valley conflict in early December 2025, seeking safety in Burundi. When the fighting subsided on December 9, many tried to return home, but authorities refused repatriation, detaining some and threatening to relocate others to remote border camps.

In response, some refugees in the Cishemere temporary camp in Cibitoke have begun crossing the Ruzizi River, risking their lives to escape the camps. According to SOS Medias, at least two refugees have drowned during these crossings, and personal belongings left behind were destroyed.

Despite the dangers, some have successfully returned home with help from local Burundians. Others have paid bribes to Burundian soldiers, police, or youth militia (Imbonerakure) to secure safe passage.

A refugee from Sange, South Kivu, said: “I was with my wife and eight children. They demanded 300,000 Burundian francs. I had to give three of our goats before they allowed us to cross.”

Many refugees remain trapped, fearing the river and unable to pay bribes, and continue to appeal to the Burundian government for safe and legal passage to return home.