Kampala, Uganda — As of 30 June 2026, the Government of Burundi and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have completed a significant biometric registration of Congolese refugees at the Busuma site.
The operation, which commenced on 16 March 2026, has successfully registered 54,343 individuals, representing an 82% coverage rate of the refugee population.
The registration process at Busuma, coordinated by the Burundi National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (ONPRA) and the UNHCR, underscores the collaborative efforts between the Burundian government and international organizations to manage the influx of refugees.
The biometric registration is crucial for ensuring accurate data and facilitating the provision of services to the refugee population.
In a separate development, the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi, along with the UNHCR, held their second Tripartite Commission in Kinshasa from 2 to 4 June 2026.
The meeting focused on facilitated voluntary returns, with all parties reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that returns remain voluntary, safe, and dignified.
The Tripartite Commission also aimed to strengthen registration, intention surveys, cross — border coordination, sensitization, and resource mobilization to support return and reintegration efforts.
The UNHCR has commended the Government of Burundi for its leadership and solidarity in responding to the refugee influx.
The operation of the biometric registration process at the Busuma site suggests a coordinated effort between the government and UNHCR to manage the refugee population effectively.
Despite the progress made, challenges remain.
The scale of returns has increased pressure on local infrastructure, land access, and service delivery in receiving communities.
A recent survey by the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) indicates that Burundi’s refugee repatriation programme is advancing, but reintegration outcomes remain constrained by limited access to income, housing, and basic services.
As the situation in the DRC continues to evolve, the international community remains vigilant.
The regional conference on comprehensive solutions for Burundian refugees held in Nairobi, Kenya in March 2026, saw UNHCR, regional governments, and partners reaffirming their support for long-term solutions to resolve the plight of Burundian refugees. Looking ahead, the focus will be on ensuring sustainable reintegration for the returning refugees and addressing the underlying causes of displacement.
The successful completion of the biometric registration at the Busuma site and the ongoing efforts of the Tripartite Commission are steps in the right direction, but the journey towards a lasting resolution is far from over.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
