The decision is from the Ministry of the Interior, in charge of refugees. It was implemented by the president of the camp. The measure was decried by Burundian refugees settled in Nyarugusu. They describe it as yet another way of pushing them to forced repatriation. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

This is a first since the installation of the part reserved for Burundians in the Nyarugusu camp in 2015. The administration of the said camp informed the local elected officials that cell leaders no longer have anything to do.

« The president of the camp first thanked us for our diligent work. And then, he announced to us that the institution of cell leaders (heads of ten houses) on each street of the camp is repealed and that the decision comes into force immediately. « We just took note, » said a former cell leader who attended the July 29 meeting. It took place in zone 8.

The measure only concerns six zones that make up the part occupied by Burundian refugees.

« Among the Congolese, the situation remains unchanged, » said a Tanzanian government representative in Nyarugusu.

The tasks that were reserved for cell leaders will be carried out by village chiefs in collaboration with zone chiefs and civilian guards.

The refugee representatives were responsible, among other things, for preparing immediate reports of any incident, resolving minor family or marital conflicts, controlling foreigners, security issues, etc. They were not paid for these roles. The Tanzanian official announced that « the work of cell leaders is no longer essential because the part of the camp populated by Burundian refugees will soon be closed. » Former grassroots refugee representatives who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi say they fear the worst.

On this point, the administration reassured them, reminding them that they have known for a long time that the camp must be closed in October 2024.

“So, you just have to make good decisions in time instead of worrying about what might happen to you!” said an envoy from the president of the Nyarugusu camp.

Regarding violence and conflict, he asked them to constitute themselves as “unrecognized community notables” to help their compatriots.

The village and zone chiefs were asked to redouble their efforts and vigilance to fill the void, given that they receive a small “in-kind” remuneration as an encouragement.

But they too, even if they keep their responsibilities, « the one who resigns, who is repatriated or who dies will not be replaced », concluded the office of the president of the Nyarugusu camp.

This camp has more than 110,000 refugees including more than 50 thousand Burundians.