The death toll of Burundian refugees killed in clashes with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s security forces has risen to at least 30.
Police and soldiers are said to have opened fire on the refugees, when they protested against plans to repatriate them on Friday.
A local army spokesman confirmed there were clashes but said he was not aware there were any deaths.
Many of the refugees had taken shelter at a United Nations peacekeeping mission’s nearby base.
Over 400,000 Burundian refugees have been living in the DRC since violence erupted in their country in April 2015, following President Pierre Nkurunziza’s declaration that he would seek a controversial third madate. He went on to win the elections held in July the same year.
Over 700 people have since been killed in the violence.
A UN commission last week said there was reasonable grounds to believe Burundi authorities have committed crimes against humanity.
The Burundian government earlier this year appealed to the country’s citizens who sought refuge in neighbouring countries to return home, saying peace had been restored and assured them of their secutiry.
The UN in collaboration with Tanzanian authorities begun the repatriation exercise last month.
