The tests of covid-19 for Burundian refugees in Mahama camp began on Monday, August 24 before their return to their country. The first convoy of Burundian refugees leaves the Mahama camp Thursday, August 27, 2020.
As agreed between the Burundian and Rwandan government, the first convoy of Burundian refugees leaves Rwandan soil in three days. The tests of covid-19 have begun but the strength of the first convoy remains unclear three days before their departure.
“The covid-19 tests started today for those who have registered to return to Burundi,” said Pasteur Jean Bosco Ukwibishatse, president of the Mahama refugee camp. “Registration is underway but the size of the first convoy is not yet known,” added President Jean Bosco Ukwibishatse. “Some have disputes such as debts or family conflicts that they should settle beforehand,” he explained.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is also unable to specify the exact number of first departures to Burundi.
“It is difficult to know the number of those leaving on Thursday,” said Elise Villechalane, external relations officer at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Kigali.
“They will not be able to exceed 500 during the first convoy because that is the capacity of the Burundian government,” said Villechalane. “It is obvious that this action will have to continue afterwards. ”
“Last Friday, 1,400 had already registered, but we can’t say today that the first convoy will reach the maximum of 500,” she said. “Some people change their minds at the last minute. And then we’ll have to take into account the results of the covid-19 test,” she says.
The departure of the first convoy is scheduled for Thursday, August 27th at 6 a.m. It will travel through the border post of Gasenyi-Nemba.
Rwanda says it is ready to play its part for the success of this first repatriation of Burundian refugees as agreed by all parties.
Gérard Rugambwa
