CDH/VICAR reports that the events of 29 April 2025 in Nyarugusu refugee camp were marked by severe violence. The preliminary toll includes three deaths, comprising two Burundian refugees and one Tanzanian citizen who happened to be crossing the road during the incident. These deaths underscore the grave risks faced by refugees and surrounding communities amid heightened security operations.
Multiple refugees were arbitrarily arrested in their homes, with security forces forcibly entering residences in search of individuals allegedly hiding. Others were detained amid general chaos. The exact number of arrests remains unknown, and families seeking information at the Makere security post were told that none of the detainees were present, exacerbating anxiety and uncertainty among the camp population.
According to sources within the camp, the Tanzanian government appears determined to forcibly repatriate Burundian refugees, using false accusations that some individuals are armed and planning violent acts. This tactic of intimidation not only threatens the physical safety of refugees but also fosters an atmosphere of fear and coercion, undermining their fundamental rights and the protection guaranteed under international law.
CDH/VICAR expresses deep concern over the continued silence of UNHCR Tanzania regarding these alarming events. The organization calls on Tanzanian authorities, UNHCR, and international partners to immediately cease arbitrary arrests, ensure the safety of all refugees, and uphold their legal rights, including protection from forced repatriation. Refugees must be allowed to live in dignity and security, free from threats of violence or unjust detention.
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