CIBITOKE February 14th (ABP) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi, together with the Minister in charge of the Interior, Mr. Martin Niteretse and the Ambassador of the European Union to Burundi, Mr. Claude Bochu, visited on Thursday, February 9, 2023, returnees in Rugombo commune, and the transit camp for Congolese asylum seekers in Cishemere, Buganda commune.
In his speech, he said he was delighted to see people who end the life of refugees, to become citizens once again, in their country of origin. He said he was delighted to witness the return of people who had traveled as refugees abroad, who have returned to their homes. UNHCR along with the government and partners is accompanying them in this first period of return, and says it is hopeful that they will have an integrated life in the communities that welcomed them, he said. He added that he saw their generosity in welcoming Congolese asylum seekers of the Cishemere transit camp in Buganda commune. He was also in favor of the plea of the provincial governor, for support of the said camp in water and electricity.
As for the Minister of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security, Mr. Martin Niteretse, he praised the UNHCR’s relations with the Burundian government. He revealed that the government has taken strategies for the protection of human rights, to avoid that there are still Burundians who take the path of exile. He thanked the UNHCR for the support of fifty families of returnees and people of Rugombo commune.
He urged the governor and communal administrators to support the returnees and the Batwa, by granting them arable land, for their socio-economic integration.