CDH/VICAR has documented new acts of intimidation targeting Congolese refugees in Nyarugusu Camp who have shown solidarity with Burundian refugees facing increasing repression. Since mid-September 2025, several Congolese refugees have reported being accused of disseminating information about the violations committed against Burundian asylum seekers in Tanzania. These accusations have created a climate of fear and uncertainty among communities that have long coexisted peacefully inside the camp.
On Friday, September 26, 2025, a Congolese refugee identified as Spy Mkorofi was arrested while in possession of his camera. According to testimonies collected by CDH/VICAR, he is accused of filming and sharing evidence of the situation currently affecting Burundian refugees at a time when forced returns, intimidation, and severe restrictions are mounting. The seizure of his camera and his arrest represent a clear attempt to silence documentation efforts that are essential for monitoring human rights conditions.
Many Congolese refugees expressed strong concern about this escalation. They question why Tanzanian authorities have adopted such hostile practices against Burundian refugees and why solidarity between camp populations is now being criminalized. For years, Congolese and Burundian communities in Nyarugusu have shared space, resources, and daily struggles. The current repression threatens not only their safety but the social cohesion that has sustained them throughout displacement.
CDH/VICAR condemns these acts of intimidation and calls for the immediate release of Spy Mkorofi. The organization reiterates that documenting human rights violations is not a crime; it is a vital mechanism for ensuring accountability and protection. CDH/VICAR urges Tanzanian authorities, UNHCR, and humanitarian partners to guarantee the safety of all refugees in Nyarugusu and to protect those who report abuses. Silencing witnesses only deepens impunity and endangers all refugee communities.
Gallery
Related Case Study
