The Coalition for the Defence of Human Rights Living in Refugee Camps has documented an urgent and rapidly evolving situation at the Nduta Refugee Camp on April 21, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., where security forces reportedly initiated operations inside the camp’s departure center.
According to information received, several police officers entered the facility where Burundian refugees had been gathered, marking a significant escalation in tensions surrounding ongoing repatriation procedures.
Refugees present at the center were reportedly divided into two distinct groups: those who had already agreed or registered for repatriation and those who had refused to do so. This separation has heightened fear and uncertainty among the population.
Witnesses describe a climate of confusion and distress, with refugees unsure of the intentions behind these actions or what measures might follow. The lack of communication from authorities has further contributed to anxiety within the camp.
Additional reports indicate that police officers have begun attempting to confiscate mobile phones from refugees. This move raises serious concerns about restrictions on communication, documentation, and the ability of refugees to report or seek assistance.
Such actions risk limiting transparency and may obstruct the documentation of potential human rights violations, especially in a context already marked by allegations of coercion and forced return practices.
The unfolding situation underscores broader concerns regarding the protection of refugees and adherence to international legal standards, particularly in relation to voluntary repatriation and the safeguarding of fundamental rights.
In response, CDH VICAR calls for immediate restraint, the protection of refugees’ rights to communication and information, and urgent intervention by the international community to ensure that all actions within the camp respect human dignity and international protection obligations.
