Voluntary Repatriation of Burundian Refugees from Tanzania started on 7 September 2017. As of 30 September 2017, a total of 2,343 Burundian refugees, including 240 persons with specific needs (PSNs), were facilitated to return to Burundi.

Protection staff from UNHCR had a meeting with the District Commissioner and immigration authorities in Ngara District following reports of some ad hoc screening activities conducted by the immigration officers at border posts in the district where some asylum-seekers were reportedly facing challenges in gaining entry into Tanzania. The implications and serious concerns were shared with UNHCR in Dar es Salaam. UNHCR then sent a formal communication to the Tanzanian Ministry of Home Affairs in Dar es Salaam for clarification and to find a solution.

1,496 Burundian refugees were in transit centers while around 1,990 individuals stayed outside due to lack of space. Most of them were women, children and older people.

The Burundi Situation needs urgent funding, as the total amount of contributions amounts to 1% of the overall needs. There are significant needs in refugee settlements, as the overall refugee population has grown to over 400,000, with new arrivals coming on a daily basis.

Following the death of 38 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers in Kamanyola, South Kivu, in a confrontation with armed forces, UNHCR is providing emergency aid and called for investigation.

Cholera epidemics was declared in the territories of Fizi and Uvira. No cases have been reported so far in refugees hosting structures. Preventive measures were put in place.

As of 31 August 2017, the number of new arrivals was 4,887 since January 2017. The arrival rate over the year is an average of 20 individuals per day so far. Of the 4,887 new arrivals, 52% have settled in Reception Centers and the rest of 48% have settled in urban areas ( Kigali, Huye).

The Head of Offic and the Peace Advisor in the Resident Coordinator’s Office Kampala, visited Nakivale refugee settlement.

- 27,793 Burundian refugees relocated from Nyarugusu to Nduta and Mtendeli between 07-Oct-2015 and 30-Apr-2016.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is forced to implement food cuts in the region, affecting Burundian refugees in Tanzania and Rwanda. In Rwanda food assistance is secured only until the end of April. A possible drastic cut in food rations is foreseen in the month of May (51%) and onwards, if no further contributions are received from donors.