74 Burundians Voluntarily Return Home from Rwanda

Bugesera, Rwanda, 12 March 2026 - Seventy-four Burundians, mostly men, who had sought refuge in Rwanda over the years, have voluntarily returned to their homeland, expressing gratitude for the peaceful environment they experienced during their stay. The group, comprising 30 women and 44 men from 47 families, crossed the Rwanda-Burundi border at Nemba in Bugesera District. Sixty-two had been living in Mahama Camp in Kirehe District, while the remaining 12 resided in Kigali City. The returnees were formally handed over to Burundian authorities, with representatives from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs (MINEMA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) accompanying them. Jérémie Havugiyaremye, who spent 25 years in Rwanda, shared his experience: “Life in the camp was not easy, but I had no problems in Rwanda. My family in the camp is not ready to return yet, but I miss my country and want to start a new life there.” Havugiyaremye added that the decision to return was influenced by friends who had found their homeland safe. Similarly, Oda Mariya, who had fled the 2015 unrest in Burundi and lived in Mahama Camp for 11 years, said, “I came back because peace has returned and our comrades encouraged us. I wanted to reunite with my family and live well.” Karagire Gonzague, Director of Refugee Programs at MINEMA, noted that since 2020, over 31,000 Burundians have returned home voluntarily, with strong cooperation from Burundian authorities. “In 2022, Burundian representatives visited Mahama Camp and Kigali to encourage refugees to return. Last year, online discussions were also held to explain the benefits of repatriation,” he said. These 74 returnees add to 115 others who returned in November 2025. MINEMA reports that over 50,000 Burundian refugees still remain in Rwanda, living in camps and urban areas.