Congolese Refugees Begin Voluntary Return Registration from Tanzania's Largest Camp
Kigoma, 11 February 2026
Thousands of Congolese refugees at Tanzania’s Nyarugusu camp have started registering for voluntary repatriation to the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a significant shift in East Africa’s refugee dynamics. This development follows ongoing security improvements in eastern DRC and could influence similar programmes across the region, particularly in Kenya’s major refugee camps hosting Congolese populations.
Regional Coordination and International Oversight
The voluntary repatriation process has attracted significant international attention, with French Embassy representative Jean Traband visiting Kigoma region on 10 February 2026 to assess ongoing projects and operations at both Nyarugusu and Nduta refugee camps [1][2]. Kigoma Regional Commissioner Ambassador Simon Sirro met with Traband to discuss the implementation of various programmes under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) framework [1][2]. During their discussions, Ambassador Sirro explained that whilst Burundian refugees continue returning to their homeland, Congolese refugees from the DR Congo are receiving continued protection whilst joint plans for their repatriation proceed, awaiting the return of peace so they can join their compatriots in rebuilding their nation [1][2].
Security Developments in Eastern DRC
The repatriation programme comes against a backdrop of continued security challenges in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacks persist. On 9 February 2026, approximately 15 civilians were killed in a fresh assault attributed to ADF fighters in the Bapere sector of Lubero territory in North Kivu province [3]. The attack occurred during evening hours in Mambimbi-Isigo village, with survivors describing fleeing in darkness as houses were set ablaze and residents shot [3]. Civil society organisations have criticised the delayed response from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), despite advance warnings about suspicious movements in the area [3].
Humanitarian Impact and Displacement Patterns
The recent violence has triggered fresh displacement in the Lubero area, with many residents abandoning their villages to seek refuge in locations considered safer [3]. This new displacement compounds an already complex humanitarian situation in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, where ADF-related violence continues to affect civilian populations [3]. At the end of January 2026, 25 civilians were killed in the Irumu territory of Ituri province in an attack also attributed to the armed group [3]. The ADF, originally a Ugandan-based armed group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, remains on the United States’ list of designated terrorist organisations [3].
Regional Implications for Refugee Policy
The voluntary repatriation initiative in Tanzania represents part of broader regional efforts to address protracted refugee situations across East Africa [GPT]. Civil society organisations have called on authorities to strengthen protection for civilians and implement rapid interventions to prevent further tragedies in eastern DRC [3]. The success of voluntary repatriation programmes depends heavily on sustainable peace and security conditions in areas of return, making the ongoing violence in eastern Congo a critical factor in determining the pace and scale of refugee returns [GPT]. Ambassador Sirro’s discussions with the French representative also highlighted opportunities to promote tourism and investment in Kigoma region, suggesting efforts to integrate refugee assistance with broader development objectives [1][2].