Young Burundians, driven by poverty and the hope of better opportunities, are increasingly crossing into Tanzania in search of work. However, many face brutal treatment, including arrest, beatings, and imprisonment, before being forcibly returned to Burundi. Upon arrival, they are often taken in by host families in Mabanda, a southern town near the Tanzanian border, but the trauma lingers.
Habimana Domatien, a 23-year-old from Kayanza in northern Burundi, shared his harrowing experience in Kasulu Prison, Tanzania. “We found ourselves surrounded. Four of us were arrested and taken to their station. We were beaten even at night, slapped, and severely mistreated. It was very hard,” he recounted, reflecting the plight of many who make the dangerous journey.
Host families in Burundi are now appealing to Tanzanian authorities to treat the migrants humanely. “We ask Tanzania not to mistreat them. Some return traumatized, depressed, and almost beyond recovery,” said Olive Sindayihebura, a representative for the host families. “The Tanzanian government should treat our youth well, just as we do when they come to us.”
Recent reports from NGOs highlight the extent of the crisis. Over the past two months, approximately 300 children have been expelled from Tanzania. According to Ferdinand Simbaruhije, spokesperson for the National Federation of Associations for Children’s Welfare in Burundi (FENADEB), between July and September alone, 149 children—147 boys and two girls—were deported. An additional 182 returned voluntarily, bringing the total to 291 children identified as presumed victims.
The underlying cause of this migration is widespread poverty in Burundi, which pushes young people to seek work in neighboring countries. However, human trafficking networks have exploited the situation. These networks are reportedly operated by Burundian and Tanzanian traffickers, compounding the dangers faced by migrants.
The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for cooperation between Burundi and Tanzania to address both the humanitarian concerns and the socio-economic factors driving migration. Without intervention, more young people will continue to risk their lives in search of a better future, only to face abuse and disappointment.