A first wave of 470 Congolese refugees from Burundi arrived on Thursday 23 April 2026 in Uvira, in South Kivu province, marking the launch of a voluntary repatriation operation organized by the authorities and humanitarian partners.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Burundi, the convoy left the Busuma camp, located in Ruhigi province, early in the morning. The returnees are due to cross the border at the Kavimvira checkpoint before reaching the town of Uvira, where they are expected to arrive between 3.30 pm and 4 pm local time.

This process includes registration, essential medical assistance and referral to support services.

This return is part of a humanitarian process aimed at ensuring the voluntary, dignified and safe repatriation of Congolese refugees living in Burundi.

It comes at a time of increased coordination efforts between the authorities of both countries and international agencies to promote durable solutions to the crisis affecting displaced persons.

The UNHCR representative in Burundi, Brigitte Eno, explained that support mechanisms have been put in place to facilitate the reintegration of returnees once they are on Congolese soil, particularly in terms of social assistance and logistical support.

Further convoys could follow in the coming days as part of this phased operation to return Congolese refugees living in Burundi.

For his part, the Deputy Governor of South Kivu, Jean Jacques Elakano, states that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure this return takes place peacefully. He assures that security is guaranteed in the areas of return.

Following the occupation of the town of Uvira (South Kivu) by AFC/M23 rebels in early December 2025, between 60,000 and 65,000 Congolese sought refuge in Burundi within a ten-day period, according to UN humanitarian agencies, notably the UNHCR and the IOM.

It should be noted that these families crossed the border into Burundi in December 2025, at the height of the insecurity caused by the advance of M23/AFC rebels in several localities in South Kivu, notably Uvira, Sange, Luvungi and Kamanyola.

Thousands of civilians had then sought refuge in Burundian transit camps, living for several months in difficult humanitarian conditions.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma