Escalating Abuses Against Burundian Refugees in Tanzania: Religious Leaders in Danger

The Coalition for the Defence of Human Rights of Refugees Living in Camps (CDH/VICAR) raises serious alarm over new and credible allegations of grave abuses committed against Burundian refugees in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp. These reports indicate a disturbing escalation in coercive practices, now extending beyond the demolition of shelters to the direct targeting of religious leaders within the refugee community.

According to multiple, consistent testimonies, church pastors have been accused by camp authorities of discouraging refugees from registering for return to Burundi. These accusations are reportedly being used as a pretext to justify acts of violence and intimidation, transforming places of refuge into environments of fear and repression for those who exercise moral or spiritual leadership.

In this context, Pastor Chartiel Nzoyihera is reportedly in critical condition following alleged acts of torture attributed to Siasa Manjenje. These events follow earlier reports involving Pastor Malak, suggesting a troubling pattern of abuse against religious figures perceived as obstacles to enforced repatriation.

Refugees further report the involvement of an imposed refugee representative, Josaphat Manirakiza, whose legitimacy is widely contested within the camp. Many refugees accuse him of close ties with the Imbonerakure and of acting in coordination with both the Tanzanian Government and the Burundian Government, deepening fears of transnational persecution.

These developments reinforce concerns that Burundian refugees in Tanzania are subjected to a systematically coercive environment aimed at stripping them of genuine choice. The use of violence, intimidation, and torture to silence community leaders fundamentally undermines the principles of asylum and violates international standards governing the protection of refugees.

CDH/VICAR stresses that any form of forced or coerced return constitutes a serious breach of international refugee law, including the absolute prohibition of torture and the requirement that repatriation be voluntary, safe, and dignified. We call for immediate protection of victims, independent investigations into all allegations, and accountability for those responsible. States must uphold their commitments.