The Government of Tanzania has officially closed Nduta Refugee Camp in Kibondo District, Kigoma Region, marking a major milestone in the country’s long-standing efforts to support the voluntary return of Burundian refugees and other displaced persons to their home countries.
The closure was announced on April 30, 2026, by the Minister for Home Affairs, Patrobass Katambi, who said the decision is part of the implementation of agreements reached during the 26th Tripartite Commission meeting between the Government of Tanzania, the Government of Burundi, and the UNHCR, held on November 28, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.
Nduta Camp, one of the largest refugee settlements in western Tanzania, had been hosting 165,394 Burundian refugees.
Its closure follows years of coordinated efforts aimed at ensuring safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation.
Minister Katambi commended the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her continued commitment to humanitarian governance and effective management of refugee affairs in Tanzania.
He said the government has successfully facilitated durable solutions that allow refugees to return home voluntarily.
He also acknowledged the important role played by international and local partners, including the World Food Programme, humanitarian agencies, and civil society organisations that supported service delivery in the camp over the years.
The minister expressed gratitude to the people of Kigoma Region, especially Kibondo District, for their generosity, patience, and cooperation throughout the period the camp operated.
He said their willingness to share land and resources demonstrated strong national solidarity and compassion.
Katambi noted that the repatriation process has largely progressed peacefully, with thousands of refugees already returning to Burundi voluntarily under coordinated arrangements.
However, he also addressed an incident on April 14, 2026, when about 9,000 refugees who had been processed for return reportedly re-entered camp areas in a manner that disrupted operations.
He said the government handled the situation with restraint and in collaboration with stakeholders, prioritising peace, order, and humanitarian principles rather than confrontation.
The minister cautioned remaining refugees in other camps, including Nyalugusu, to strictly follow scheduled repatriation plans to avoid confusion or disruptions.
He stressed that orderly movement is essential to ensure safety and dignity for all involved.
He further warned that any deliberate attempts to disrupt repatriation processes after official arrangements could be treated as violations of procedure, and appropriate legal measures would be taken where necessary.
Despite these challenges, Katambi reaffirmed Tanzania’s continued commitment to maintaining strong relations with Burundi, describing the two countries as long-standing neighbours with deep historical and social ties.
He noted that many Burundian nationals continue to live peacefully in Tanzania as students, workers, traders, and investors under legal frameworks.
The minister also raised concern over past security incidents in which criminal elements allegedly exploited the camp environment for illegal activities, including armed robbery along nearby roads.
He said security agencies had already strengthened operations to address such risks and ensure continued safety in the region.
With the closure of Nduta Camp, the government says focus now shifts to completing remaining repatriation activities and restoring former camp areas for productive use, including development projects that will benefit local communities.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has assured that all remaining refugees will continue to receive support until they complete their voluntary return process in accordance with international humanitarian standards and existing agreements.
