Burundi, UNHCR bracing for refugee return

The Burundi government, UNHCR and NGOs have been planning and putting up infrastructure mechanisms in preparation for a return of refugees to the country. However, UNHCR says the returns are tentative pending the outcome of the Arusha peace process, and the stability of the country. “UNHCR has been preparing for the repatriation of the Tanzanian caseload, but all this can only take place if the situation in the country fits in with the requirements of such an exercise,” UNHCR regional spokesman Paul Stromberg said on Friday. “It is our hope and we have actually set up basic infrastructure like schools, where they could fit in upon return.” “We are watching the [Arusha] talks very closely,” he added.

Meanwhile, last week, a joint sensitisation meeting was held for commune administrators in Gitega, central Burundi to help them prepare to receive some 13,821 people who will be repatriated from Tanzania. The meeting was organised by the provincial governor of Gitega, Louis Murengera, and the coordinator for NGOs in Gitega, Lynette Simon. Simon said the returnees are originally from communes in Gitega such as Bugendana, Bukirasazi, Buraza, Giheta, Gishubi, Gitega, Itaba, Makebuko, Mutaho and Ryarusera. The returnees will temporarily stay in sites for a few months before settling in their ‘collines’ [hills] of origin, the Agence burundaise de presse (ABP) said.