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More than 110,000 Burundian refugees seeking asylum in Tanzania

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With political temperatures still rising in Burundi, nearly 220,000 people have fled the civil strife, seeking safety in neighboring countries. More than half of the refugees have sought asylum in Tanzania.

Nyarugusu refugee camp in Tanzania is one of the camps around the region that has been the most overwhelmed, owing to the influx of refugees fleeing violence in Burundi. At the height of the conflict, more than 160,000 Burundian and Congolese refugees called this place home.

Nestor Kamza used to fix broken bicycles in Burundi, and helped Godriva, his wife, farm their small plot of land. But as political troubles and killings mounted, he decided to flee with his family.

“The hard part was our trip to the Tanzania border. We fell into the hands of thieves. They just came up to us and grabbed our belongings. They had no shame.” Nestor Kamza, Burundi Refugee

“I was actually excited because we were already tired of what was going on in our place. In fact, I was dreaming about how peaceful it would be in Tanzania.” Said Godriva Kamza, Burundi Refugee

Because of the continuing influx of refugees from Burundi, a new camp had to be opened in the town of Nduta. But that is not a reason for worry for Nestor and his family. As long as they have a peaceful place to call home, though temporarily, this tent will suffice for now.  The UNHCR and its partners are planning to open three new camps to accommodate refugees in less congested shelters.

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