Burundi Accused of Abusing Congolese Refugees as Death Toll Rises

Bujumbura, January 12, 2026 - The Burundian government is facing serious accusations of deliberately blocking the voluntary return of Congolese refugees, despite reports that security has improved in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in AFC/M23-controlled areas of Uvira territory.

More than 101,000 Congolese refugees are currently crowded into makeshift camps across Burundi, including in Muyinga, Cibitoke, Rumonge, Gatumba, and Bubanza, where access to food, healthcare, and basic services remains critically inadequate.

Zakari Moluh, coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) at the Ndava camp in Cibitoke, described the situation as dire.

“The camp is overcrowded. Families are forced to live in tents, the ground is muddy, and people are sharing a two-liter bottle of water. Food is practically nonexistent,” Moluh said.

On January 5, 2026, the Coalition for Peace and Human Rights (CPCC) reported that 105 Congolese refugees had died in Burundian detention camps within a two-week period. According to the organization, most deaths were caused by lack of shelter, medical care, and severe malnutrition. Some fatalities, however, were allegedly the result of attacks by Burundian civilians armed with traditional weapons, including arrows.

To date, Burundian authorities have not issued an official response or announced any investigations into the reported deaths.

Sources also allege that Burundian security forces beat and killed up to 20 Congolese refugees who refused transfer to the Ruyigi camp, located near the border.

Critics accuse the Burundian government of maintaining harsh camp conditions in support of the DRC government’s narrative that AFC/M23-controlled areas remain insecure and that the group is responsible for civilian displacement. However, multiple reports indicate that civilians have returned to these areas and are resuming normal activities such as farming, herding, and trade.

While Burundian authorities claim they are protecting refugees from insecurity, humanitarian organizations warn that the rising death toll could worsen if border crossings at Gatumba and Vugizo are not reopened to allow voluntary returns.

Some refugees have reportedly crossed back into the DRC illegally, including by swimming across the Rusizi River, while others have allegedly bribed security officials to facilitate their passage.

Human rights activist Gentil Mulume said many refugees are eager to return home but are being blocked.

“Many of our compatriots have expressed their desire to return voluntarily but have been prevented from leaving the camps, in violation of basic humanitarian principles and refugee protection law,” Mulume said. “We call on the Burundian government to open the way for Congolese refugees to return safely. Our compatriots are not prisoners of war, criminals, or people sentenced to death.”

Observers increasingly describe the crisis not as a humanitarian emergency alone, but as a political crisis, alleging that the policies of Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi are endangering civilian lives and may constitute crimes against humanity.