Thousands of DR Congo refugees start journey home from Burundi

Thousands of Congolese refugees have begun returning home from Burundi following the withdrawal of M23 rebels from the eastern city of Uvira, in a development that signals a fragile improvement in regional security, as reported by Associated Press News with agencies on April 24th.

At least 470 refugees crossed the border in the latest repatriation effort, part of a wider movement that has seen more than 33,000 people return to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo since March, according to the United Nations. The refugees had fled violence in and around Uvira nearly four months ago, seeking shelter in camps across the border in Burundi.

Many had been living in the Busuma refugee camp, established in late 2025 to accommodate the sudden influx. Conditions in the camp were difficult, with reported shortages of food and essential supplies, prompting relief among those now able to return.

“I am happy, very joyful,” said Hassan Masemo, one of the returnees, who also expressed gratitude to Burundian authorities for reopening the border.

The returns follow the withdrawal of M23 rebels, a powerful armed group that previously seized large parts of eastern Congo. The group has been widely reported by U.N. experts to have received backing from Rwanda, although both deny direct cooperation. Rwanda maintains its actions are defensive, aimed at countering armed groups linked to the 1994 genocide.

The situation has drawn international attention, with Donald Trump positioning the United States as a mediator in efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire between the two countries. Washington has also shown interest in the region’s vast mineral resources, which are critical to global technology supply chains.

The U.N. refugee agency says repatriation efforts will continue in the coming weeks, with regular convoys planned for those returning voluntarily. However, officials stress that returns will only be facilitated to areas deemed safe.

Despite the recent progress, Burundi still hosts more than 200,000 Congolese refugees, underscoring the scale of displacement caused by decades of conflict in eastern Congo, where armed groups continue to operate.

Associated Press News with agencies, Maghrebi.org