A high-level delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), led by the Minister of State for Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity, Ms Eve Bazaiba Masudi, has visited Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Kigoma Region to assess the welfare of Congolese refugees and engage them on prospects for voluntary return.
During the visit, Ms Masudi toured the camp and held discussions with refugees, listening to their concerns, expectations and proposals to be conveyed to the DRC government.
Addressing refugees at the camp’s assembly grounds, she commended the Government of Tanzania for hosting refugees from the DRC in peace and dignity for nearly three decades since the establishment of Nyarugusu Camp.
She said the DRC government continues to intensify efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the country to enable refugees to return home safely.
She also urged refugees to uphold discipline and good morals, stressing that their conduct reflects the image of their country and demonstrates respect for the hospitality extended by Tanzania.
The minister further encouraged refugees who are ready to return home to continue registering through official procedures, noting that repatriation would allow them to resettle, engage in economic activities and contribute to national development opportunities that remain limited while living in refugee camps.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, responsible for East African affairs, Mr James Millya (MP) reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to international refugee protection principles.
He said the government will continue to work closely with refugees during their stay in the country and guarantee their safety throughout the repatriation process. He emphasized that returning home remains a voluntary decision and will not be forced.
Presenting a status report on the camp, Acting Nyarugusu Camp Manager Mr Samwel Kuyi said the camp currently hosts 132,404 refugees, including 86,918 from the DRC, 45,346 Burundians and 98 refugees from other countries.
He noted that more than 60 percent of DRC refugees are children under the age of 18, among them 21,660 children under five years old, highlighting the humanitarian significance of the camp.
One of the refugees, Apolina Masumbuko, said many refugees are ready to return home and appealed to the DRC government to accelerate efforts to restore peace so they can return to a safe and stable environment.
Nyarugusu Refugee Camp is one of the largest and longest-standing refugee settlements in the region, jointly supported by the Government of Tanzania and international humanitarian partners.