The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Government of the Republic of Burundi, the European Union (EU), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and Icirore c’ Amahoro (ICCA), together with refugees launched a four-year project aimed at strengthening the protection and resilience of Burundian refugees in Tanzania and returnees in Burundi.
The project, funded by the European Union (EU) with a contribution of EUR 8 million (USD 8.8 million), runs from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2027 and will support 338,579 Burundian refugees in the Nyarugusu and Nduta camps and host communities in Tanzania’s Kigoma region.
The project will improve access to civil documentation, provide quality education for returnees, and enhance vocational skills. The project also seeks to overcome critical barriers to the voluntary return of Burundian refugees and help them rebuild their lives back home.
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The current situation in Burundi suggests that it may be time for Burundian refugees to return home, though some are hesitant. While the EU’s support is appreciated, it’s important to recognize that the Burundian refugee situation in Tanzania is distinct and requires a tailored approach to effectively address their needs.
The Government of Tanzania is willing to engage in discussions to find an agreeable approach to establish a common ground in finding durable solution for all Burundian refugees hosted in Tanzania by 2025,” said Thobias Andengenye, Kigoma Regional Commissioner, Tanzania.
The project will help Burundi returnees access essential civil documentation, reintegrate into the local education system, and recognize vocational training certificates earned in Tanzania.
It will also strengthen legal and protection services in Burundi by building local capacities to ensure these services continue after refugees return.
“This project reflects the European Union’s strong and unwavering commitment to working alongside the Tanzanian government to protect and support refugees who have sought safety in Tanzania. We are dedicated to upholding their dignity and helping them rebuild their lives in a secure environment,” said Christine Grau, EU Ambassador to Tanzania.
Elisabetta Pietrobon, the EU Ambassador to Burundi, emphasized that the voluntary return and reintegration of Burundian refugees from Tanzania is crucial for promoting peace, stability, and development in the Great Lakes region. This initiative will directly benefit over 96,000 refugees, 4,800 members of host communities, and 52,000 returnees.
Zulqarnain Hussain Anjum, UNHCR Deputy Representative in Tanzania, highlighted that the skills acquired by Burundian refugees in Tanzania will support their reintegration and adaptability upon returning home.
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These skills will benefit the returnees and allow them to contribute to strengthening their communities by training others. UNHCR expressed gratitude for the EU’s support in finding durable solutions for Burundian refugees and working with development partners to rebuild lives for a peaceful future.
Valentin Lubunga Kibukila, IRC Country Director in Burundi, emphasized that the project’s NGO consortium is committed to combining expertise and efforts to provide lasting solutions to the refugee crisis.
Since the voluntary repatriation began in 2017, over 177,000 refugees have returned to Burundi from Tanzania, though around 145,000 remain in Tanzania as of August 2024.
Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, UNHCR Representative in Burundi, stressed the ongoing reintegration needs and the importance of continued financial support. She welcomed the EU cross-border project as a vital contribution to the smooth reintegration of Burundian returnees.