Nduta Camp Refugee Tortured and Detained Amid Allegations

CDH/VICAR reports a severe case of abuse and unlawful detention targeting RWAMACUMU Joël, a Burundian refugee living in Nduta camp, Zone 4, Village 3. Father of four, he was summoned by OCTAVIA Rutayega, an officer known for persecuting refugees. Upon arrival, Joël presented his refugee identity card and was forcibly taken into a room, where he suffered violent assault by the officer, leaving him bleeding heavily.

Following the assault, RWAMACUMU Joël was ordered to be transported to the police station. He remains in detention despite serious injuries, while authorities allege “professional misconduct” during his work. These claims are baseless, as Joël was employed by World Vision, a recognized humanitarian organization, and has no record of wrongdoing.

This incident highlights a worrying pattern of targeted persecution against refugees in Nduta camp. Another refugee, MANIRAKIZA Nestor, was abducted under similar pretexts related to investigations of alleged property theft at MSF, raising concerns about the misuse of power and arbitrary arrests targeting individuals involved in humanitarian work.

CDH/VICAR calls for the immediate release of RWAMACUMU Joël and all detained refugees, an independent investigation into the assault, and safeguards to prevent further abuse. The organization urges Tanzanian authorities and humanitarian actors to respect the rights, safety, and dignity of refugees, ensuring that protection commitments are upheld.