Attachments
In May 2024, 3,059 Burundian refugees from 927 households were voluntarily repatriated mainly from Tanzania to their home country of Burundi. Among the returnees’ children accounted for more than half with 1863 repatriated.
Additionally, 354 refugees from 97 households were transferred from Cishemere asylum-seeker transit center in Cibitoke Province to the first refugee site in Giharo in Rutana Province.
Furthermore, 1,938 individuals from 728 households affected by El Nino floods were voluntarily relocated with safety by UNHCR from the Gatumba flooded area to Mubimbi site in Bujumbura.
Operational Context
As of May 2024, the security situation in Burundi remained relatively calm though some incidents were reported in various provinces. In Bujumbura, however, the situation was marked by the explosion of grenades in public places resulting in injuries and the deaths of 3 persons. Additionally, UNHCR declared a Level 1 Emergency for Burundi due to the impact of El-Nino phenomenon, which posed significant threats, including fatalities and the destruction of infrastructure, homes, and crops. Landslides blocked roads causing delays in the delivery of UNHCR programs. Access to some refugee camps was difficult and forcing staff to take detours to reach the camps.