By Arsene Arakaza
In the Nakivale refugee camp in Uganda, the voluntary repatriation program of Burundian refugees is accelerating after a long period of waiting followed by constant complaints to both the UNHCR; the Ugandan agency, and the Ugandan and Burundian governmentss.
Those who have made this request appreciate the repatriation process, they benefit from the training and information sessions organized inside the camp by UNHCR and its partners.
In addition to the training, the organizers promise those who wish to return home a sum of between sixty and one hundred dollars per head, depending on their degree of vulnerability.
Strong awareness …
There is a strategic awareness campaign aimed at Burundian refugees in Nakivale camp so that they can understand the reason for repatriation. According to an anonymous source who spoke to the newspaper, the people who are labeled as ‘informers from Gitega’ put forward in particular the poor climate of peace that reigns in the country as well as the advantages that would be given to returnees once they arrive in Burundi.
“Awareness-raisers on behalf of the Burundian government are deceiving refugees by saying that those who will register for repatriation after a general verification of refugees that are being prepared in Nakivale camp will be taken care of,” a local source said.
A net that catches few…
The majority of the refugees refuse repatriation, citing crimes that are still commonplace in the country. They criticize Burundian President Evariste ndayishimiye’s empty rhetoric and say that repatriation will be impossible until there is a security improvement that can guarantee their safety.
“In fact, these motivations, sensitisations cannot change our perception of the situation that prevails in our country. We are well informed about all the ills that haunt our country. Let them stop these forms of manipulation here, it is we who are responsible for our destiny,” they said.
Among the number of Burundian refugees who have already registered for voluntary repatriation, more than 580 have already been repatriated, including 265 who left with the 1st convoy and 334 with the 2nd convoy.
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