Refugees from neighboring North and South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo seek medical consultations at the Busuma refugee camp, under UNHCR, in the district of Ruyigi, Buhumuza province, Burundi, January 21, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
A first group of roughly 470 Congolese refugees in Burundi began returning voluntarily to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Thursday, the United Nations refugee agency said.
According to a statement from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the convoy departed from the Busuma refugee site in Burundi's Ruyigi province, crossed into the DRC through the Kavimvira border post, and proceeded to the city of Uvira in South Kivu province.
UNHCR said the operation is being carried out under existing agreements between the governments of Burundi and the DRC, with logistical support and coordination from the UN agency.
Nearly 20,000 Congolese refugees have already registered for the voluntary repatriation program, UNHCR said, adding that returnees will receive financial assistance and support to help them reintegrate.
As of March 23, 2026, Burundi hosted about 109,000 Congolese refugees, including nearly 67,000 at the Busuma site alone, according to UNHCR.
Since 2025, eastern DRC has experienced intensified fighting between government forces and several armed groups, including the March 23 Movement, forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee to neighboring countries, particularly Burundi.