Burundi has (shamefacedly) reopened its border with the DRC, marking a significant moment for thousands of displaced Congolese families after two months.
But reopening a border is not enough. What matters now is whether refugees will truly be allowed to return home safely and voluntarily.
The crisis began when fighting escalated in eastern Congo and Uvira fell under the control of AFC/M23. Thousands of civilians fled across the border into Burundi, seeking safety from the uncertainty and violence.
Shortly afterward, AFC/M23 withdrew from Uvira, and Tshisekedi’s t forces re-entered the town, the Burundian regime kept the border closed for weeks, preventing many refugees from going back home.
The prolonged border closure raised serious concerns. Refugees remained stranded in overcrowded camps under harsh and dangerous conditions. Reports indicated that 500 Congolese refugees died during their displacement in Burundi, while others allegedly risked their lives attempting to return home through unsafe routes, including rivers.
Burundi’s decision to close the border was not purely about security but to use them ad diplomatic bargaining chip to get humanitarian funding
A few days ago Burundian regime had announced for $33 million in urgent humanitarian assistance for Congolese refugees. In response, the United Kingdom announced approximately $2.3 million in food aid. Observers question whether the continued restriction of movement served political or financial interests rather than humanitarian priorities.
With over 101,000 Congolese refugees in Burundi, the stakes are high. It is reported that after the visit of EU comissioner Hadjala , to Burundi , he asked Ndaysihimiye to reopen borders so that these congolese must return back
The fundamental issue, however, is not political optics it is human dignity. Congolese Refugees should never become bargaining chips in regional politics. They are families, children, and elders who fled violence and now deserve the right to decide freely whether to remain in Burundi or return to their homes in eastern Congo.
Since Tshsiekedi army is controlling Uvira, then voluntary repatriation must be facilitated immediately.
Ndayishimiye’s business of selling them is no longer there; he must facilitate their return.
For thousands waiting in uncertainty, the message is clear: if the border is open, their path home must be open too.