On Thursday, Rwanda handed over 74 Burundian refugees from 47 families to Burundi after they requested to return home voluntarily. The repatriation is part of an ongoing process that allows refugees living in Rwanda to go back to their country when they decide it is safe to do so.
The move follows continued cooperation between Rwanda, Burundi and international agencies supporting refugee returns in the region. In recent years, regional discussions and agreements have focused on facilitating voluntary repatriation while ensuring that refugees return in safe and dignified conditions.
Since 2020, more than 31,000 Burundian refugees have returned home from Rwanda under this voluntary program. Despite these returns, over 53,000 Burundian refugees still live in Rwanda, mainly in Mahama Refugee Camp in Eastern Province and others in the city of Kigali.
The process is expected to continue in the coming months as authorities and humanitarian partners keep working with refugees who wish to return. More voluntary repatriations could take place if conditions in Burundi remain stable and refugees continue to request assistance to go back home.
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